S.  K.  HOLTSINGER'S 


]Mo. 


PRINCETON.  N.  J.  ^ 


BX  7260   .S5  S5x 

Sherman,  James,  1796-1862. 

The  pastor's  wife 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Arcliive 
in  2014 


https://archive.org/details/pastorswifemennoiOOsher_0 


THE  PASTOR'S  WIFE. 


MEMOIE>i 


UN  11  191P 
LOGICAL  StV^V^ 


MRS.  MARTHA  SHERMAN 


THE  REV.  JAMES  SHERMAN, 


SUCCESSOR  OF  THE  REV.  ROWLA^D  HILL, 
l.N'  SURREY  CHAPEL,  LONDON. 


ABRIDGED  WITH  THE  SAXCTIO.N  OF  THE  AUTHOR. 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE 
AMERICAN  TRACT  SOCIETY 

150  N  ASS  A  U -ST  REET  ,  NEW  YORK 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Birth — Her  mother's  judicious  training — Contrast  between 
the  two  sisters — Sweetness  of  temper — Natural  polite- 
ness— Anecdote  of  Rev.  Matthew  Wilks — School — Musi- 
cal talent — Power  of  imitation  9 


CHAPTER  II. 

Illness  and  death  of  her  sister — Instrumental  in  the  con- 
version of  two  persons — Her  own  decision  for  Christ — 
Letter  on  union  with  the  church — Death  of  her  young 
friend — Her  own  serious  illness  and  recovery    ...  24 


CHAPTER  III. 

Marriage — First  impressions  on  settlii;g  at  Reading — Difli- 
culties  in  the  Sunday-school — Maternal  Society — Visit  of 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Codman — Visit  to  the  poor — Providential 
escape — Serious  illness  of  herself  and  husband — Invita- 
tion to  Surrey  chapel — Mixed  feelings  on  leaving  Read- 
ing  42 


4 


COJJTKNTS. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Removal  to  London — Sketch  of  the  origin  of  Suney  chapel 
— Her  interest  in  the  societies  already  established  there — 
Commencement  of  Sabbath  Bible-class — Young  ladies  re- 
quest the  formation  of  a  similar  class — Fears  and  hopes 
respecting  it — Letter  to  a  young  lady  who  had  lost  a  sis- 
ter— To  two  sisters  on  exalted  piety — To  one  wishing  to 
become  a  Sunday-school  teacher — To  one  at  school — To 
one  whom  God  had  chosen  from  a  worldly  family — To  a 
friend  on  her  buthday — Joy  that  her  efforts  had  been 
blessed   67 


CHAPTER  V. 

Farmation  of  Maternal  Association — Birth  of  her  eldest 
daughter — Ditiiculties  and  anxieties  respecting  the  asso- 
ciation— Formation  of  a  similar  one  for  the  poor — Journey 
on  the  continent — Death  of  her  daughter  Selina — Her 
anxiety  that  the  event  should  be  improved  to  her  class — 
Letter  to  a  young  friend,  urging  immediate  decision — Mar- 
riage of  her  eldest  daughter — Birth  of  her  youngest  child 
— Letter  to  her  eldest  child — To  her  mother — Illness  of 
he  -  babe  Ill 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Death  of  her  mother — Interest  in  the  various  religious  insti- 
tutions— Extracts  from  letters — On  ascribing  glory  to  man 
rather  than  God — On  tempering  zeal  with  humility — On 
the  scriptural  warrant  for  taking  an  oath — Consolation  to 
one  of  her  class  in  the  hospital — To  one  who  wished  to 
become  a  missionary — On  self-examination — On  obedience 


CONTENTS. 


5 


to  parents  only  "in  the  Lord" — Formation  of  a  mission- 
ary working-party — Specimen  of  notes  of  invitation — For- 
mation of  another  missionary  working-party — Meeting  to 
consider  objections — Letter  to  her  class  informing  them  of 
the  result   .    .  153 

CHAPTEE.  VII. 

Commencement  of  illness — Winter  residence  at  Brighton — 
Letter  to  a  young  lady  on  the  duty  of  taking  care  of  her 
health — Extracts  from  letters — Thanks  to  a  friend  for  acts 
of  kindness — To  the  Maternal  Association — To  her  father's 
servant — To  a  young  lady  who  had  undertaken  a  class  of 
Jewish  children — Believing  hopes  respecting  her  own  chil- 
dren— Extract  from  her  memorandum-book — Establishes  a 
Maternal  Society — Interest  in  a  young  widow — Persevering 
and  successful  eflforts — Conversation  with  the  servants — 
Liquidates  the  debt  of  the  chapel — State  of  her  health — 
Letter  to  a  young  friend  in  the  North — Hopes  of  final  re- 
covery— Second  tour  on  the  continent — Return  to  Eng- 
land 186 


CHAPTER  VIII 

Resigns  her  Bible-classes — Letter  to  a  lady  on  the  unjust 
prosecution  of  her  husband — On  the  return  of  her  wea- 
ding-day — Thanks  for  a  present — Visit  to  St.  Leonard's — 
Depression  of  mind — Extracts  of  letters — To  her  husband 
— To  her  father — To  a  city  missionary  on  the  death  of  liis 
wife — To  a  young  friend,  stirring  her  up  to  spiritual  activ- 
ity— On  submission  to  the  divine  will — Extracts  from  let- 
■  ters — On  judging  uncharitably — Residence  at  Enfield — 
Letter  on  being  prevented  from  attending  evening  wor- 
ship— Confid<>ncr'  in  G<.d — To  a  Sunday-sehool  teacher — 


6 


CONTENTS. 


On  the  death  of  a  young  person — On  the  formation  of  a 
select  class  for  children — Residence  at  Hastings — Relief 
from  mental  depression — Calinness  with  which  she  re- 
ceived intimation  of  immediate  danger — Return  home  209 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Farewell  interviews — Sabbath  class — Poor  maternal — La- 
dies' maternal — Young  ladies'  Bible-class — Memoranda 
of  last  illness — London  missionary  sermon — Interview 
with  Rev.  J.  A.  James  and  others — Missionary  commun- 
ion— Last  moments — Funeral — Funeral-sermons — Poetic 
description  of  funeral  scene  278 

CHAPTER  X. 

Character — Industry — Firmness  and  perseverance — Punctu- 
ality— Freedom  from  selfishness — Condescension — Humil- 
ity— Love  to  all  the  people  of  God — Fervent  piety — Un- 
conscious influence  326 


PREFACE. 


It  is  a  difficult  duty  for  one  tenderly  related 
to  a  beloved  saint,  to  draw  the  faithful  linea- 
ments of  her  character,  and  present  a  portrait 
easily  recognized  by  those  who  were  favored 
with  her  friendship.  Ardent  affection  may 
overlook  defects  which  others  would  record, 
and  fear  of  exaggeration  omit  excellences 
which  desorve  to  be  prominently  exhibited. 
A  looker-on  sees  more  of  the  battle,  and  can 
better  de.scribe  the  respective  qualities  of  the 
parties  engaged  in  the  conflict,  than  the  com- 
batants themselves;  for,  however  each  might 
be  disposed  to  do  justice  to  the  valor  manifest- 
ed by  his  fellow-soldier,  the  very  nearness  of 
contact  and  limited  range  of  view  incapacitate 
them  from  describing  the  whole  operation  in 
the  field  of  vision  which  a  spectator  enjoys. 
And  it  would  have  been  hailed  as  a  great 
blessing,  if  some  friend  who  had  known  the 
dear  departed  from  early  life  could  have  been 
found,  to  present  her  living  likeness  to  those 
who  have  earnestly  solicited  some  memorials 
of  one  whom  they  so  ardently  loved,  and  whose 
faith  they  desire  to  follow.  The  materials  for 
a  memoir,  though  scantily  preserved,  would 


8 


PREFACE 


have  been  quite  sufficient,  in  a  practised  and 
skilful  hand,  to  make  many  sincere  hearts  long 
to  be  like  her,  and  to  bring  great  glory  to  the 
Lord  for  the  abundant  grace  bestowed  on  his 
devoted  child. 

Yet  some  advantages  are  possessed  by  a  near 
relative  over  others.  If  the  spectator  of  a  bat- 
tle can  describe  better  the  general  operations  of 
an  army,  the  man  who  stands  next  to  his  com- 
rade, and  fights  with  him,  can  more  minutely 
recite  his  valiant  deeds,  his  patience,  and  vic- 
tory. So  in  the  case  of  this  precious  saint: 
her  husband  knew  her  best;  had  far  greater 
opportunities  than  any  of  her  friends  of  ob- 
serving her  steady  walk  with  God,  her  loving 
and  Christ-like  spirit,  her  amiable  deportment 
to  all  her  circle. of  friends  and  dependents,  and 
her  self-denying  and  useful  efforts  to  win  souls 
to  her  Saviour.  Therefore,  though  deeply  sen- 
sible that  the  sketch  of  her  life  here  given  will 
be  rough  and  unfinished,  and  in  no  degree 
worthy  of  its  subject,  he  believes  it  will  pos- 
sess greater  advantages  than  if  written  by  a 
less  intimate  acquaintance.  His  hope,  his  ar- 
dent prayer  to  God  is,  that  he  will  give  it  his 
rich  blessing,  and  cause  many  to  follow  her  as 
she  followed  Christ  her  Lord. 


THE 


PASTOR'S  WIFE. 


CHAPTER  I.  / 

FKOII  HER  BIRTH  TO  HER  CONVERSION. 

Thh  beloved  subject  of  this  Memoir  was  born 
at  Kentish  Town,  September  14,  1806.  Her 
father,  Benjamin  Tucker,  Esq.,  long  known  as 
the  friend  to  ministers  of  Christ's  holy  gospel, 
of  all  denominations,  and  to  the  establishment 
of  his  kingdom  on  earth,  had  retired  from  ac- 
tive business,  and  devoted  himself  chiefly  to  aid, 
and  carry  on  the  woi'ship  of  God  in  the  vicinity 
in  which  he  lived.  Her  mother  was  the  daugh- 
ter of  Joseph  Page,  Esq.,  to  whose  munificence 
the  poor  of  the  town  of  Basingstoke  are  much 
indebted  for  the  erection  and  endowment  of 
some  almshouses  for  pious  aged  women. 

Her  parents  had  two  daughters ;  Mary,  who 


10 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


died  at  the  age  of  twenty-two,  and  Martha, 
whose  history  we  now  record.  It  was  her  priv- 
ilege to  have  a  mother,  to  whose  piety  and 
personal  superintendence  she  was  much  indebt- 
ed for  the  formation  of  habits  which  enriched 
her  character,  and  rendered  her  so  useful  and 
acceptable  to  the  church  of  Christ.  Although 
it  is  a  fact  unquestioned  by  all  who  revere  the 
word  of  truth,  that  the  most  efficient  maternal 
guidance  cannot  change  the  heart  and  renew 
the  nature  for  God,  without  the  gracious  in- 
fluence of  his  Spirit;  yet,  where  a  mother 
unites  piety,  wisdom,  and  perseverance,  in  the 
training  of  her  children,  she  seldom  fails  to 
draw  down  that  influence  on  her  interesting 
charge. 

Education,  especially  in  the  formation  of 
character,  does  not  consist  merely  in  conveying 
to  the  mind  ethical  maxims,  useful  knowledge, 
and  the  higher  branches  of  gospel  lore ;  but  in 
the  living  exhibition  of  personal  graces,  a  rigid 
love  of  truth,  a  spirit  of  prayer,  a  dependence 
on  divine  aid,  a  delicate  sense  of  purity,  and 
an  indomitable  perseverance  in  aiming  t()  win 
the  heart  to  Christ, 


EARLY  LIFE. 


11 


These  qualities  eminently  belonged  to  Mrs. 
Tucker.  She  was  a  woman  of  quiet  but  fer- 
vent piety;  her  regularity  in  retiring  for  pri- 
vate devotion  at  stated  times,  notwithstanding 
great  personal  indisposition,  was  sustained  till 
within  a  few  days  of  her  decease  ;  her  love  of 
punctuality,  neatness,  and  order,  prevailed 
throughout  every  arrangement  for  the  church 
and  her  family;  her  attention  and  liberality 
to  the  poor  were  proverbial ;  the  delicacy  of 
holiness  was  maintained  in  her  conversation 
and  habits  ;  and  her  constancy  in  training  her 
children  for  God,  had  its  reward  in  their  early 
devotion  to  his  service.  Beyond  this,  she  was 
remarkable  for  her  practical  good  sense,  which, 
while  it  did  not  reject  the  ornamental  part  of 
education,  was  generally  directed  to  the  pro- 
motion of  some  useful  object  of  life. 

The  value  of  such  a  mother  is  not  always 
seen  at  the  time.  She  may  not  be  showy  and 
attractive  in  her  talents,  or  insure  the  appro- 
bation of  the  theorist ;  but  the  patient  labor  of 
a  few  years,  spent  in  the  cultivation  of  her 
infant  charge,  passes  not  away  unobserved  by 
those  who  watch  for  examples  of  the  power  of 


12 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


education,  and  certainly  not  unrecompensed  hy 
the  God  of  the  families  of  the  earth.  Let  not 
mothers,  Conscious  of  many  defects  in  the 
education  of  their  children,  fear  the  result,  if 
they  commit  their  way  often  to  the  Lord,  and 
strive  to  exhibit  the  practical  influence  of  god- 
liness before  them.  After-days  will  show  the 
effects  of  such  training. 

Perhaps  few  sisters,  so  nearly  of  an  age,  so 
seldom  separated,  and  so  closely  united  in 
affection,  have  exhibited  so  complete  a  contrast 
in  natural  disposition  and  intellectual  character, 
as  Mary  and  Martha  Tucker.  In  early  child- 
hood, Mary  was  less  engaging  than  her  sister, 
and  when  she  felt  the  importance  of  self-dis- 
cipline, had  more  difficulties  to  contend  with, 
being  naturally  of  a  less  yielding  temper  ;  con- 
sequently, their  temptations  and  pleasures, 
their  pursuits  and  amusements,  were  almost 
entirely  different.  Abstruse  reading  and  the 
acquisition  of  knowledge  were  Mary's  favorite 
pursuits  ;  while  to  please  and  be  pleased,  to  be 
happy  herself  and  to  promote  the  happiness  of 
others,  was  Martha's  highest  aim,  or  rather 
the  spontaneous  result  of  her  light  and  buoy- 


EARLY  LIFE. 


13 


ant  spirit.  It  must  be  confessed,  that  her  love 
of  play  sometimes  prevented  her  from  applying 
with  sufficient  diligence  to  her  various  studies; 
but  while  the  masters  who  attended  them, 
found  their  gravity  sometimes  overcome  by  the 
irresistible  and  fascinating  playfulness  of  their 
younger  pupil,  the  elder  was  steadily  pursuing 
her  studies,  in  the  acquisition  of  which  she 
needed  rather  a  rein  than  a  spur. 

Mary's  natural  reserve,  and  perhaps  con- 
scious superiority  of  intellect,  made  her  at 
times  appear  distant  to  strangers ;  though  to 
her  chosen  friends,  her  affection  was  warm, 
strong,  and  lasting.  Martha  could  repel  none ; 
an  extended  hand  could  never  be  refused,  nor 
a  smile  unreturned  by  her.  "I  love  every 
body,  and  every  body  loves  me,"  seemed  to  be 
the  language  of  her  confiding,  happy  temper. 
The  tremulous  frame  alone  would  betray  the 
inward  agitation  from  which  Mary  was  at  any 
time  suffering;  while  Martha  would  pour  forth 
her  childish  sorrows  into  the  first  sympathiz- 
ing bosom  that  presented  itself.  An  act  of 
condescension  performed  by  Mary  was  the  re- 
sult of  principle,  her  first  impulse  being  to 


14 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


receive  rather  than  bestow  homage ;  while  a 
pin  dropped  by  an  inferior  would  be  immediate- 
ly picked  up  by  Martha,  who  seemed  impelled 
intuitively  to  pay  attention  to  another,  neither 
asking  nor  expecting  a  return. 

Let  it  not,  however,  be  supposed,  that  the 
one  was  unamiable,  or  the  other  frivolous ; 
whatever  tendency  there  might  be  in  either  to 
such  dispositions,  was  effectually  checked  by 
their  judicious  training ;  and  as  they  travelled 
on  side  by  side  in  their  singularly  happy  and 
joyous  course,  it  was  difficult  to  say  which  was 
most  loved  or  most  admired,  since  though  the 
instruments  upon  which  they  played  were  so 
different,  no  jarring  sound  was  heard,  but  tones 
of  harmony  and  love,  which  cheered  and  de- 
lighted a  large  circle  of  admiring  friends. 
Their  difference  of  character  produced  on  Mar- 
tha's lowly  mind  that  effect  which  difference 
of  years  alone  usually  produces  ;  and  she  look- 
ed up  to  her  sister,  only  twenty  months  older 
than  herself,  with  as  much  deference  as  if  she 
had  been  her  senior  by  so  many  years. 

In  childhood  and  early  youth,  Martha,  or  as 
she  was  always  called,  Patty  Tucker  was  not 


t 

EARLY  LIFE. 


15 


exempt  from  many'  of  the  faults  and  foibles 
usual  at  that  age,  nor  free  from  that  "foolish- 
ness," which  Scripture  and  experience  show, 
"is  bound  up  in  the  heart  of  a  child;"  and 
perhaps  she  did  not  materially  differ  from  her 
young  companions,  except  in  a  more  than  usual 
volatility  of  spirits,  and  in  a  remarkable  sweet- 
ness of  temper.  Her  countenance  was  never 
disfigured  by  the  pout  of  ill-humor,  or  the 
scowl  of  discontent,  but  was  always  smooth 
and  serene,  as  the  placid  temper  of  which  it 
was  the  faithful  index.  Those  beautiful  lines 
of  Cowper  might  with  strict  propriety  be  ap- 
plied to  her : 

"  Thy  constant  flow  of  love,  which  knew  no  fall  j 
Ne'er  roughened  by  those  cataraxjts  and  breaks, 
Which  humor  interposed  too  often  makes." 

So  completely  and  constantly  was  her  smooth 
and  open  brow  thus  unruffled,  that  she  has 
been  asked  playfully  to  frown,  to  show  whether 
such  an  expression  was  possible.  Whenever 
her  eye  met  the  eye  of  another,  it  was  invari- 
ably lighted  up  by  a  smile,  and  it  was  often 
said,  "I  dare  not  look  at  Patty  in  a  place  of 
worship,  for  she  is  sure  to  smile,  look  at  her 


16 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


when  and  where  you  may."  Nor  was  this  the 
smile  of  mere  placidity  or  indifference.  Her 
good-humor  was  an  active  principle ;  she  was 
ever  the  first  to  assist  or  do  a  kind  office,  ever 
the  first  to  yield  precedence  to  another.  "Well 
can  one  who  knew  her  from  childhood  remem- 
ber, how  she  was  at  all  times  ready  and  will- 
ing to  he  literally  "the  last  of  all  and  the  ser- 
vant of  all."  Many  instances  might  be  men- 
tioned, trifling  indeed  in  themselves,  yet  it  is 
the  large  aggregate  of  such  little  things  that 
makes  up  half  the  happiness  of  domestic  life. 

Being  one  of  a  party  assembled  for  the  pur- 
pose of  seeing  several  exhibitions,  while  all 
■were  eagerly  pressing  forward  anxious  to  ob- 
tain the  best  place  and  the  best  view,  Patty 
might  always  be  seen  behind  as  they  passed 
from  room  to  room,  trying  to  get  a  peep  when 
and  how  she  could,  and  showing  by  her  patient 
but  persevering  efTorts  that  she  was  not  in  the 
background  from  indifference  to  the  pleasure 
the  sight  afforded,  but  from  her  readiness  to 
yield  to  the  equally  eager  but  more  selfish 
anxiety  of  her  companions. 

Another  trait  of  her  childhood  should  not  be 


EARLY  LIFE. 


17 


omitted — her  natural  politeness.  While  few 
have  exceeded,  or  perhaps  equalled  her,  in  her 
•fondness  for  play  and  sports  of  every  kind,  yet 
even  in  her  most  playful  days,  a  stranger  call- 
ing, or  a  guest  staying  at  her  father's  hospita- 
ble house,  was  sure  of  receiving  the  most  mi- 
nute attentions  from  little  Patty  ;  at  the  same 
time  these  were  the  attentions  of  a  child,  as 
far  removed  from  the  womanly  forwardness  of 
some,  as  from  the  awkward  shyness  of  others. 
The  Rev.  Matthew  Wilks  happening  to  call 
one  day  when  Patty,  then  a  very  little  child, 
was  alone  in  the  dining-room,  she  placed  a 
chair  for  him,  took  his  hat,  and  persuaded  him 
to  take  some  refreshment,  eJigaging  him  in 
conversation  till  her  mamma's  return.  When 
Mrs.  Tucker  came  in,  the  old  gentleman  told 
her  how  much  he  had  been  indebted  to  the 
kind  attentions  of  her  little  daughter,  adding, 
as  he  patted  her  on  the  shoulder,  "You  are  the 
first  young  lady  that  has  taken  a  fancy  to  my. 
old  face." 

When  she  had  attained  thirteen  years  of  age, 
her  parents  determined  to  send  her  from  home 
for  education ;   and  she  was  placed  with  a 

Sherman  2 


18 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


friend  at  Hackney  for  a  short  time.  It  was 
thought  that  intercourse  with  young  ladies  of 
various  dispositions  and  habits,  would  tend  to 
improve  her  character  and  test  her  temper ; 
while  she  would  gain  such  a  knowledge  of  her 
fellow-probationers  for  another  world,  as  it  was 
impossible  to  attain  under  her  father's  roof 
Her  simple  manners  and  amiable  spirit  gained 
her  the  universal  love  of  her  school-fellows. 
Some  of  the  more  selfish  and  less  thoughtful 
would  experiment  upon  her  generosity,  by  ask- 
ing her  to  do  something  for  them  which  they 
did  not  really  require,  in  order  to  see  if  she 
could  possibly  refuse  ;  but  at  whatever  sacrifice 
of  comfort  or  convenience,  if  it  was  represented 
as  an  act  that  would  save  them  trouble  or 
afford  them  pleasure,  she  was  never  known  to 
deny  their  request.  It  will  easily  be  conceived, 
that  with  an  engaging  person  and  manners 
which  led  to  her  being  always  introduced  on 
the  arrival  of  company,  with  spirits  buoyant 
and  untiring,  and  with  a  temper  so  yielding 
and  kind,  school  was  not  the  most  likely  place 
to  forward  her  education.  The  discovery  was 
made,  that  whatever  knowledge  she  might  gain 


EARLY  LIFE. 


19 


in  associating  with  larger  numbers  of  her  own 
age  and  station,  a  loss  was  sustained  of  gen- 
eral information,  which  a  mother's  watchful 
attentions  could  alone  supply,  and  even  they 
seemed  insufficient  to  fix  so  playful  a  mind 
upon  useful  and  important  lessons. 

The  fear  that  all  the  labor  of  education 
would  be  lost  upon  her,  often  occasioned  much 
grief  to  her  mother  ;  nothing  seemed  to  remain 
in  the  memory,  and  as  to  the  correct  repetition 
of  a  task,  carelessness  and  playfulness  seemed 
to  render  it  a  thing  utterly  impossible.  Later 
years,  however,  proved  that  the  seed  sown  was 
not  lost :  the  substance  of  all  that  was  taught 
her  was  preserved,  and  the  memory  which  was 
thought  to  be  so  defective,  became  by  exercise 
one  of  the  most  retentive  her  husband  ever 
knew.  Parents  should  not  allow  themselves 
to  grieve,  if  their  children  do  not  excel  in  such 
branches  of  education  as  they  fondly  dream 
may  best  adapt  them  for  life.  The  playful- 
ness and  buoyancy  which  it  is  so  difficult  to 
control,  may  be  the  necessary  qualifications  for 
sustaining  difficulties  and  performing  duties 
which  God  has  designed  for  them  in  after- 


20 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


life — a  part  of  the  discipline  and  preparation  of 
an  all- wise  Mind  who  foresees  all  they  shall  be 
and  suffer.  Rather  let  them  be  most  anxious 
about  their  moral  and  spiritual  training,  to 
root  in  their  hearts  gospel  maxims,  and  form 
their  characters  after  the  model  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  in  due  season  they  shall  reap,  if  they  faint 
not. 

Considerable  musical  talent  developed  itself 
in  Martha  fi-om  her  childhood.  When  not  able 
to  reach  the  keys  of  the  piano  without  stand- 
ing on  her  toes,  she  picked  out,  untaught,  the 
tunes  she  heard  in  the  streets,  and  often  in- 
terested her  parents  and  friends  by  her  con- 
stant readiness  to  amuse  them  with  her  little 
stock  of  musical  knowledge.  By  tuition  and 
practice  she  became  a  great  proficient,  both  in 
taste  and  execution.  Her  musical  memory 
was  prodigious ;  after  once  learning  a  compo- 
sition, she  never  used  notes,  and  retained  it 
with  accuracy  as  long  as  her  fingers  were  able 
to  move  the  keys.  How  often  has  she  calmed 
the  troubled  spirit  of  her  husband,  when  press- 
ed with  duty  and  care,  by  the  plaintive  and 
joyous  notes  of  her  graceful  hand,  the  very 


EARLY  LIFE. 


2i 


remembrance  of  which  qpcasions  a  thrill  of 
pleasure. 

In  addition  to  other  peculiarities,  Martha 
could  assume  almost  any  character  so  natu- 
rally, as  to  avoid  detection  by  her  most  inti- 
mate friends.  Hearing  that  one  of  them — a 
neighbor,  who  had  said  it  was  impossible  she 
could  ever  be  deceived  in  Martha's  face  and 
person — wanted  a  servant,  she  went  to  her  in 
that  capacity,  and  after  referring  for  her  char- 
acter to  several  persons  whom  they  both  knew, 
she  was  dismissed,  the  lady  telUng  her  that 
she  feared  from  her  countenance  she  was  not 
good-tempered,  but  would  inquire  more  about 
her.  She  did  so  on  the  same  day,  and  found, 
to  her  astonishment,  that  her  young  friend  with 
the  merry  face  had  overmatched  all  her  dis- 
criminating powers. 

Her  voice  too  was  wholly  under  her  control ; 
she  could  adapt  it  to  the  cry  bf  the  infant,  or 
sing  the  deep-toned  bass  of  a  man ;  and  often 
she  laid  it  under  contribution,  to  introduce  at 
pleasure  the  peculiar  cries  of  animals  and  songs 
of  birds,  so  that  it  was  difficult  to  believe  they 
were  not  present.    Her  innocent  and  sparkling 


22 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


wit,  and  powers  of  comparison,  which  seemed 
to  present  themselves  without  effort,  enlivened 
her  conversation  and  never  permitted  a  gloomy 
countenance  long  to  remain  in  her  presence. 
Yet  the  universal  testimony  of  all  who  knew 
her  in  her  youth  and  beauty  would  be,  that  a 
modest  and  retiring  demeanor  was  her  special 
grace.  Though  adorned  with  personal  and 
mental  attractions  which  few  possess,  nothing 
was  obtruded  or  permitted  to  appear  that 
would  not  minister  pleasure  to  all  her  asso- 
ciates. 

With  two  such  daughters,  of  equal  stature 
and  beautiful  figure,  of  varied  talents  and  en- 
gaging manners,  the  home  of  the  parents  was 
light  with  joy  and  gladness,  and  the  promise  of 
years  of  future  felicity.  Perhaps  no  two  young 
persons,  without  the  manifestation  of  decided 
piety,  ever  contributed  more  to  the  comfort  of 
home  and.  the  gratification  of  a  select  and  val- 
ued circle  of  friends.  Grave  theological  pro- 
fessors, as  well  as  youthful  admirers,  found 
the  moments  delightfully  gUde  away,  while 
listening  to  the  dulcet  notes  and  warbling 
voices  of  these  sweet  sisters,  and  have  left  the 


EARLY  LIFE. 


^3 


peaceful  habitation  after  a  well-spent  evening, 
refreshed  and  better  fitted  for  severer  studies. 
0,  what  is  so  attractive  as  a  Christian  home, 
where  intelligence,  piety,  cheerfulness,  and 
nospitality^  combine  to  render  it  an  earthly 
paradise  ? 


24 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


CHAPTER  II. 

FROM  HER  CONVERSION  TO  HER  UNION 
-     "WITH  THE  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST. 

It  might  well  be  difficult  for  a  person  blessed 
with  such  advantages  to  recollect  the  time 
when  serious  impressions  of  eternal  things  first 
took  their  rise  in  her  mind.  Habituated  to  a 
reverence  for  G-od's  word,  to  secret  pi^yer,  and 
to  regular  attendance  on  a  gospel  ministry, 
Martha  generally  felt  that  pious  persons  were 
right,  and  that  to  be  among  them  would  be 
her  happiness ;  but  carelessness,  rather  than 
opposition,  nurtured  indifference,  and  a  direct 
acceptance  of  Christ  was  deferred  to  a  more 
convenient  opportunity.  A  regard  for  heavenly 
things  was  evidently  cherished,  and  the  society 
of  the  good  preferred  to  those  of  a  worldly 
character,  even  in  her  days  of  indecision  ;  still, 
lier  heart  was  a  stranger  to  that  vital  piety 
which  makes  Christ  the  centre  of  happiness, 
and  communion  with  him  the  highest  pleasure. 
Yet  He  who  designed  her  to  hold  a  distin- 


HER  CONVERSION. 


guished  place  in  his  church,  so  ordered  his 
providence,  that  several  events  concurred  to 
make  her  conversion  to  himself  singularly  in- 
terestino;. 

The  first  cloud  that  darkened  the  hitherto 
happy  home  of  these  two  lovely  sisters,  was  a 
serious  illness  which  befell  Mary  in  the  year 
1826.  She  was  one  of  a  picnic  party  which 
spent  the  day  "in  the  neighborhood,  of  Totte- 
ridge,  where  they  then  resided.  It  was  a  day 
of  uninterrupted  pleasure,  and  all  returned  to 
their  homes  delighted  with  the  innocent  recre- 
ation they  had  enjoyed,  little  thinking  that 
death  had  cast  his  dart  securely  into  the  lungs 
of  one  of  their  number.  The  next  morning 
Mary  awoke  with  an  entire  loss  of  voice,  which 
was  attributed  to  a  slight  cold  taken  while  sit- 
ting on  the  grass  the  previous  evening,  though 
the  weather  was  warm  and  unusually  fine  ; 
and  which,  it  was  hoped,  a  little  care  and 
medicine  would  soon  remove.  But  the  symp- 
toms became  every  day  more  alarming  ;  all  the 
aids  of  the  best  medical  advice,  with  change 
of  air  and  scene,  were  tried  in  vain  ;  she  never 
recovered  her  voice ;  and  early  in  1827,  at  the 


26 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


age  of  twenty-two,  she  sunk  under  the  influ- 
ence of  the  same  insidious  disease  which, 
twenty-one  years  afterwards,  took  her  sister, 
then  a  matured  Christian,  to  the  world  of 
bUss  into  which  she  so  early  entered. 

Mary's  timid  and  retiring  character  had  de- 
terred her  from  making  a  public  profession, 
by  union  with  a  Christian  church,  which  be- 
fore her  death  she  much  regretted ;  but  she 
had  long  "  adorned  the  doctrine  of  God  her 
Saviour,"  by  her  consistent  though  hidden 
walk,  in  the  family  and  private  circle,  and 
died  "  in  sure  and  certain  hope  of  the  resur- 
rection to  eternal  life;"  and  now  the  sisters 
are  reunited,  and  are  singing  together,  in  far 
sweeter  strains  than  those  by  which  they  so 
often  charmed  their  listening  friends  on  earth, 
the  praises  of  "  Him  who  loved  them,  and 
washed  them  from  their  sins  in  his  blood." 

The  death  of  Mary  was  the  first  link  in  the 
chain  of  events  to  bring  Martha's  heart  under 
the  dominion  of  Christ.  It  will  easily  be  be- 
lieved how  tenderly  she  watched  her  sister 
during  her  Jong  illness,  how  hopefully  she 
cherished  every  symptom  of  amendment,  and 


HER  CONVERSION.  27 

how  acute  was  her  sorrow  when  her  precious 
companion  was  taken  from  her ;  but  He  who 
dried  up  the  chief  source  of  her  earthly  com- 
fort, turned  her  affections  into  a  new  channel, 
which  ran  towards  the  heaven  into  which  her 
sister  had  entered.  Her  enlightened  judgment 
saw  the  vanity  of  health,  pleasure,  and  talent — 
the  utter  insufficiency  of  all  human  aid  and 
comfort  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  the  absolute 
necessity  of  a  conscious  interest  in  Christ,  to 
prepare  her  for  a  useful  life  and  a  happy  eter- 
nity. Her  impressions,  however,  went  no  fur- 
ther, and  it  was  reserved  for  another  event  to 
deepen  and  mature  them. 

The  daughter  of  an  old  and  valued  friend, 
about  her  own  age,  to  whom  she  was  warmly 
attached,  came  on  a  visit  to  her  parents.  Mar- 
tha, though  not  valuing  prayer  as  a  spiritual 
exercise,  maintained  with  great  punctuality 
the  hour  of  retirement  for  reading  the  Scrip- 
tures and  devotion,  to  which  she  had  been 
accustomed  by  her  mother  from  her  childhood, 
and  to  which  the  recent  death  of  her  sister  ha(f 
given  a  new  impulse.  Her  young  friend  ob- 
served that  this  time  was  always  kept  sacred 


28 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


for  the  purpose,  and  as  she  did  not  think  it 
absolutely  necessary,  manifested  an  indiffer- 
ence to  the  same  scrupulous  watchfulness. 
Martha  entreated  that  she  would  retire  for  the 
same  objects  at  the  same  time.  She  consented, 
and  not  many  months  elapsed  before  she  began 
to  feel  the  value  of  her  soul  and  the  importance 
of  its  salvatiou ;  her  reading  and  prayer  at- 
tained a  vitality  and  energy  which  Martha  had 
never  reached,  and  these  duties  became  the 
most  exquisite  pleasures.  She  saw,  felt,  and 
enjoyed  the  blessedness  of  the  man  whom  G-od 
causes  to  approach  unto  him.  And  now  her 
deepest  concern  was,  that  her  friend  who  had 
urged  her  to  practise  this  heavenly  exercise, 
might  enjoy  its  spiritual  as  well  as  formal  ob- 
servance. In  her  turn  she  became  a  pleader : 
with  Martha  to  seek  Christ  earnestly,  and  her 
salvation  immediately ;  and  with  Grod  for  her, 
that  she  might  taste  the  blessing  she  had 
instrumentally  imparted  to  her  friend.  This, 
Martha  felt  to  be  the  one  thing  needful,  and 
the  peace  and  comfort  she  witnessed  in  her 
friend  gave  energy  to  her  petitions  that  she 
might  fully  possess  the  precious  gift  of  justifi- 


HER  CONVERSIO.V.  •  29 

cation.  He  who  hears  the  sighing  of  the  pris- 
oner did  not  disdain  her  prayer. 

Behold  another  link  in  the  chain  of  events 
which  led  to  her  conversion  and  decision  for 
God.  A  District  Visiting  Society  was  formed 
about  this  time  in  Enfield,  to  supply  the  tem- 
poral wants  of  the  poor.  One  of  the  districts 
was  assigned  to  Martha,  and  at  her  mother's 
request  she  began  her  responsible  duty  of  visi- 
tation. Before  she  undertook  it,  she  felt  her 
utter  incapacity  to  direct  others  to  that  foun- 
tain of  life  of  which  she  had  not  yet  herself 
tasted,  and  often  and  earnestly  entreated  God 
to  give  her  light  and  wisdom. 

Little  did  she  think  how  literally  God  was 
about  to  answer  that  sincere  desire.  In  the 
district  assigned  her,  lived  a  poor  woman  of 
the  name  of  Taylor,  nearly  ninety  years  of  age, 
exceedingly  ignorant  and  prejudiced  ;  but  like 
Martha,  she  became  earnestly  desirous  of  un- 
derstanding and  enjoying  the  way  of  salvation, 
and  proposed  numerous  questions  to  her  young 
and  interesting  visitor  about  the  atonement, 
and  especially  how  she  could  become  inter- 
ested in  it.    Her  inquiries  were  made  with 


30 


MARTHA  SHERMAN 


such  evident  sincerity  and  anxiety,  as  to  send 
Martha  home  ejaculating,  "  Oh,  that  I  could 
show  this  poor  woman  the  salvation  of  Jesus 
Christ.  Teach  me,  0  Lord,  the  way  of  thy 
statutes;"  and  resolving  that  she  would  search 
the  Bible  and  other  religious  books  till  she 
could  understand  this  great  doctrine  herself 
and  explain  it  to  her  aged  pupil.  For  two 
months  her  visits  were  repeated  nearly  every 
day  ;  she  became  more  and  more  interested  in 
the  increased  anxiety  of  the  old  woman  for  ex- 
planations, which,  though  through  her  reading 
they  were  given  with  theological  accuracy, 
were  not  tasted  and  handled  and  felt  by  her- 
self as  the  word  of  life. 

One  morning  after  earnest  prayer  to  Grod  to 
prepare  her  for  her  intended  visit,  she  remem- 
bered that  she  had  heard  Dr.  Burder  deliver  a 
series  of  lectures  on  the  "Essentials  of  Re- 
hgion,"  in  which  she  was  much  interested. 
As  she  possessed  them  in  a  printed  form,  she 
took  up  the  book,  hoping  to  find  some  eluci- 
dation of  the  way  of  salvation,  to  assist  her  in 
her  conversation  that  day  with  Mrs.  Taylor. 
While  reading,  a  flood  of  heavenly  light  seemed 


HER  CONVERSION. 


31 


poured  upon  her  mind ;  the  complete  and  fin- 
ished atonement  of  the  Saviour,  the  justifica- 
tion of  a  sinner  hy  the  righteousness  of  Christ 
imputed  to  him,  the  fulness  and  freeness  of 
divine  grace  in  the  universal  call  to  come  and 
partake  of  the  gospel  feast,  appeared  so  clear, 
so  explicit,  and  so  glorious,  that  she  embraced 
them  by  faith,  and  had  literally  the  joy  and 
peace  of  believing.  Now  her  emancipated 
spirit  became  a  new  creature,  and  revelled  in 
the  sunshine  of  divine  love.  New  views  of 
truth,  new  principles  of  action,  new  motives 
to  serve  Christ,  new  joys  and  pleasures,  new 
attachments  to  her  Lord,  and  new  hopes  of 
celestial  glory,  now  found  a  place  in  that 
heart,  where  only  dimness  and  doubt,  anxi- 
ety and  fear,  existed  before ;  and  she  knelt 
down  to  bedew  with  tears  of  joy  the  spot 
where  a  broken  heart  had  pleaded  for  mercy, 
and  to  offer  sacrifices  of  praise  to  her  gracious 
.  Lord. 

Better  instructed  now,  she  visited  her  charge 
with  renewed  diligence,  and  carried  with  her 
a  precious  balm — the  finished  and  glorious 
work  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  value  and  bless- 


32 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


edness  of  whicli  she  had  realized ;  commend- 
ing and  opening  it  to  the  eager  mind  of  the 
aged  inquirer,  with  a  zeal  and  love  proportion- 
ate to  her  own  sense  of  its  importance,  and  to 
the  hrief  time  her  pupil  had  to  live.  Twice  a 
week  for  four  years,  except  when  interrupted 
-  by  sickness  or  absence  from  home,  poor  Mrs. 
Taylor  saw  her  lovely  young  friend,  and  heard 
her  cheerful  voice  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of 
salvation.  Her  mind  gradually  opened  to  re- 
ceive them,  and  she  became  a  truly  converted 
woman. 

A  few  weeks  before  Mrs.  Sherman  died  she 
remarked,  "  I  never  think  of  heaven  without 
an  assurance  that  I  shall  meet  Mrs.  Taylor 
there.  She  did  indeed  receive  the  word  of 
God  as  a  little  child.  Though  she  expressed 
herself  iguorantly,  yet  her  enjoyment  of  the 
preciousness  of  Christ  exceeded  any  thing  1 
had  ever  seen.  Her  faith  ripened  into  calm 
and  settled  assurance.  The  influence  on  her 
temper  and  habits  were  so  remarkable,  that 
though  her  ignorant  children  could  not  under- 
stand what  had  produced  the  change,  yet  they 
observed  to  a  friend  who  accompanied  me,  that 


HER  CONVERSION. 


33 


they  were  very  glad  of  Miss  Tucker's  visits,  as 
they  had  made  their  mother  so  kind  and  good- 
tempered,  and  so  thankful  for  every  thing  done 
for  her.  A  short  time  hefore  she  died,  she 
grasped  my  hand,  while  the  tears  flowed  down 
her  furrowed  cheeks,  and  thanked  God  that 
she  had  ever  seen  me  and  heard  of  the  way  of 
salvation  from  my  lips  ;  concluding  her  speech, 
which  she  had  made  with  great  effort,  with 
these  words  :  '  There  is  hope  for  7ne,  miss,'  and 
in  a  few  minutes  entered  into  hliss,  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  ninety-three." 

It  is  not  a  little  remarkable  that  two  pre- 
cious souls  should  be  given  her,  one  before  and 
another  soon  after  her  conversion,  as  the  re- 
ward of  effort  to  serve  God  and  do  good  to 
those  who  came  within  her  reach.  To  these 
instances  she  often  referred,  as  reasons  why 
she  should  sow  beside  all  waters,  and  in  the 
■morning  and  evening,  because  she  could  not 
tell  which  of  her  efforts  would  prosper.  Happy 
they  who  begin  to  work  for  God  early,  and 
form  the  habit  of  aiming  to  win  souls,  before 
senseless  etiquette  has  quenched  their  first 
love,  or  the  butsiness  and  cares  of  life  have 

Sh'.rman.  3 


34 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


deprived  them  of  opportunities  which  the  "  un 
married"  have  of  pleasing  Christ. 

During  the  continuance  of  her  visits  to  Mrs 
Taylor,  and  the  freshness  of  her  joy  in  her 
Saviour,  she  resolved  to  consecrate  herself  to 
his  service  more  publicly  by  uniting  with  the 
church  of  Christ  assembling  at  Chase  Side, 
Enfield,  then  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  S.  A. 
Davies.  One  of  the  most  anxious  periods  of  a 
young  Christian's  life,  is  that  in  which  duty 
and  privilege  alike  urge  a  public  avowal  ot 
faith  in  the  atonement  of  Christ,  love  to  his 
people,  and  separation  from  the  world.  Such 
it  was  to  Martha.  That  after  all  she  had  ex- 
perienced she  might  be  deluded,  that  in  a  short 
time  she  would  make  shipwreck  of  faith  and 
disgrace  her  profession,  and  that  her  talents 
and  piety  were  so  mean  that  the  church  could 
not  be  benefited  by  her  accession  to  its  mem- 
bers, were  suggestions  which  Satan  urged  to 
her  great  discouragement ;  but  the  temptations 
were  overruled  for  good.  In  consequence  o. 
them  the  step  was  preceded  by  long  and  care- 
ful self-examination,  much  prayer  to  God,  and 
consultation  with  her  parents  and  Christian 


HER  CONVERSION. 


35 


friends,  who  greatly  encouraged  her  to  more 
direct  association  with  the  friends  of  the  Re- 
deemer ;  the  result  of  which  was  the  following 
interesting  letter  to  her  pastor  : 

"Clay  Hill,  July  28,  1829. 

"  Reverend  Sir — In  venturing  to  offer  my- 
self as  a  candidate  for  admission  into  the 
visible  church  of  Christ  under  your  care,  I 
trust  I  am  influenced  by  a  deep  conviction  of 
sin,  and  an  abandonment  of  all  hope  of  salva- 
tion on  any  other  ground  than  the  all-sufficient 
sacrifice  of  the  blessed  Redeemer,  who  died, 
the  just  for  the  unju.st,  to  reconcile  us  to  God ; 
and  as  an  adequate  return  for  such  infinite 
love  is  wholly  impossible,  all  I  can  do  is  to 
give  myself  to  him  as  my  rightful  owner.  I 
therefore  solemnly  dedicate  myself  to  him, 
resolving  that  whatever  others  do,  I  will  serve 
the  Lord  ;  I  renounce  the  world  and  its  prof- 
fered joys,  and  will  seek  my  happiness  in  him 
alone ;  by  his  help  and  the  influences  of  his 
Holy  Spirit,  I  resolve  to  forsake  all  sin,  to  do 
his  will,  and  strive  after  conformity  to  his 
precepts  and  example.    On  his  promises  I 


36 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


rely,  firmly  convinced  that  not  one  of  them 
can  fail,  for  He  is  faithful  that  hath  promised. 

"  '  Though  cisterns  be  broken, 
And  creatvires  all  fail, 
The  word  he  hath  spoken 
Shall  surely  prevail.' 

"  To  his  faithful  hand  I  commit  my  im- 
mortal soul,  to  he  saved  in  his  own  appointed 
way ;  and  though  it  may  he  hy  severe  trials, 
I  trust  I  shall  he  enahled  to  say,  '  Thy  will  he 
done.'  By  obedience  to  the  divine  command, 
and  partaking  of  the  symbols  of  the  body  and 
blood  of  Christ,  broken  and  shed  for  the  I'e- 
mission  of  sins,  I  hope  to  keep  up  a  memorial 
deeply  humbling,  of  his  dying  love,  to  feed 
upon  it  for  my  spiritual  nourishment  and 
growth  in  grace,  holiness,  and  resemblance  to 
Him  who  first  loved  me. 

"I  hereby  declare  my  entire  dependence  on 
the  merits  of  his  death  and  righteousness 
for  my  acceptance  with  God;  my  desire  to 
participate  of  his  fulness :  that  I  am  not 
ashamed  to  fight  under  his  banner,  and  trust 
the  blessings  resulting  from  a  closer  union  to 
Christ  will  be  mine.    I  expect  to  be  assailed 


HER  CONVERSION. 


37 


by  many  temptations ;  but  though  I  hope  they 
will  deeply  humble  and  purify  me,  yet,  trusting 
to  the  great  Captain  of  my  salvation  alone,  I 
shall  finally  overcome ;  for  it  is  written,  '  He 
will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  above  that 
ye  are  able,  but  will  with  the  temptation  also 
make  a  way  to  escape.'  '  We  have  not  a  High- 
priest  who  cannot  be  touched  with  the  feeling 
of  our  infirmities,  but  was  in  all  points  tempted 
like  as  we  are:' 

"'  The  desert  his  temptations  knew, 
His  conflict,  and  his  victory  too.' 

Though  blessed  from  a  child  with  every  advan- 
tage from  the  pious  instruction,  example,  and 
affectionate  prayers  of  my  beloved  parents,  it 
was  not  until  death  visited  our  family  in  the 
removal  of  my  dear  and  only  sister,  that  I  felt 
the  emptiness  of  all  worldly  things,  and  their 
inability  to  console  and  support  in  affliction. 
To  the  free  and  unmerited  grace  of  God  I  am 
indebted,  that  I  was  thus  led  to  seek  Him  in 
whom  alone  true  happiness  is  found.  Weak 
and  cold  as  are  my  faith  and  love,  if  indeed  I 
have  any,  I  would  not  part  with  that  cheering 
hope  of  immortality  which  he  has  inspired  in 


38 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


me,  for  all  this  world  can  promise.  0,  may 
each  day  witness  in  me  a  growth  in  grace  and 
in  the  knowledge  of  G-od ;  an  increasing  relish 
for  spiritual  things ;  greater  love  to  the  word, 
ordinances,  day,  and  people  of  God,  and  above 
all,  to  Him  who  has  washed  my  soul  in  the 
fountain  of  his  own  precious  blood.  His  be  all 
the  glory  of  my  salvation;  and  if  indeed  it  be 
my  honor  and  felicity  to  leach  that  blessed 
world  where  He  is,  with  what  joy  shall  I  cast 
my  crown  at  his  feet,  ascribing  all  my  deliver- 
ance to  his  matchless  love. 

"I  am,  reverend  sir, 

"Yours  respectfully, 

"MARTHA  TUCKER." 

It  will  not  create  surprise  that  she  was  wel- 
comed with  joy  by  the  pastor  to  the  participa- 
tion of  Christian  privileges;  but  it  does  not 
say  much  for  the  liveliness  or  spirituality  of 
that  church,  that  no  one  member  of  it  took  any 
notice  of  the  event,  or  gave  her  a  word  of 
encouragement  to  pursue  the  course  she  had 
begun.  This  possibly  arose,  not  from  want  of 
interest  in  her,  or  from  iniiifference  about  the 


HER  CONVERSION 


39 


prosperity  of  Christ's  kingdom,  but  from  a  cold 
carelessness,  and  from  looking  at  the  event 
more  as  a  matter  of  course,  than  as  one  in 
which  the  whole  hierarchy  of  heaven  rejoice. 
The  members  of  a  Christian  church  cannot 
foresee  what  blessings  God  may  give  them, 
through  the  addition  of  a  youthful  member  to 
their  society:  it  may  be  one  of  the  means  of 
eliciting  talent,  and  engaging  prayer  on  behalf 
of  that  church,  to  give  such  a  youth  the  im- 
pression that  they  are  interested  in  his  growth 
in  piety,  and  the  employment  of  his  energies 
for  their  Lord.  A  kind  word  for  Christ  and  a 
friendly  shake  of  the  hand  cost  nothing  to  the 
giver,  but  often  impart  unspeakable  encourage- 
ment to  the  receiver,  and  awake  the  best  feel- 
ings of  his  heart. 

In  the  visitation  of  her  district  and  commun- 
ion with  Christian  friends,  Martha  continued 
her  unostentatious  course  of  usefulness,  amidst 
many  mental  conflicts  and  disappointments. 
Some  who  have  removed  to  various  parts  of  the 
country,  remember  her  visits  and  efforts  with 
great  affection,  and  attribute  their  first  impres- 
sions of  love  to  the  Saviour,  or  their  more 


40 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


steadfast  walk  in.  his  paths,  to  her  interesting 
conversations.  . 

A  new  and  heavy  trial  now  awaited  her.  In 
the  year  1833,  her  young  friend  to  whom  she 
had  been  useful  by  directing  her  attention  to 
punctual  visits  at  the  throne  of  grace,  was 
seized  with  fever  while  on  a  visit  to  Clay  Hill, 
and  obliged  to  be  removed  home;  where,  in  a 
few  days,  its  malignity  terminated  her  life,  and 
ushered  her  into  the  presence  of  her  Lord,  with 
whom  she  had  learned  to  hold  sweet  commun- 
ion on  earth. 

Martha  was  now  not  only  deprived  of  a  friend 
whose  piety  and  devotedness  were  likely  to  be 
helpful  to  her  in  her  Christian  course,  but  from 
having  slept  with  her  she  caught  the  infectious 
disease,  and  for  some  time  her  life  hung  on  a 
very  slender  thread.  Many  have  had  cause  to 
bless  God  for  a  sick-chamber,  and  it  proved  to 
Martha  a  school  in  which  she  attained  an  en- 
larged experience  of  God's  love,  and  afforded  a 
tirial  of  those  graces  which  the  Spirit  of  God 
had  planted  and  nurtured.  Her  patience  and 
love  amid  great  suffering  were  the  admiration 
of  all  who  saw  her,  or  had  the  privilege  of  min- 


HER  COITVEIISION. 


41 


istering  to  her  necessities.  In  the  course  of  a 
few  months  she  recovered,  and,  by  the  blessing 
of  God,  enjoyed  renewed  health  and  increased 
devotedness  to  her  best  Friend,  who,  as  other 
friends  were  removed,  became  more  precious  to 
her  redeemed  and  sanctified  spirit. 


42 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


CHAPTER  III. 

HER  MARRIAGE  AND  RESIDENCE  AT 
READING. 

On  the  3d  of  March,  1835,  her  union  with 
him  who  was  to  be  the  partner  of  her  joys  and 
sorrows  was  solemnized  at  Enfield  church. 
Like  all  days  of  pleasure  on  earth,  the  cheer- 
fulness of  this  day  was  occasionally  interrupted 
by  the  tears  of  parents  who  were  resigning 
their  only  child,  and  of  a  dutiful  and  affection- 
ate dabghter  who  was  separating  herself  from 
the  special  care  of  those  who  had  tenderly  loved 
her,  and  sought  her  interest  with  unfailing 
kindness.  Amid  the  hearty  wishes  and  pray- 
ers of  her  friends  she  left  the  parental  roof,  and 
after  a  tour  in  the  north,  arrived  at  her  new 
home  in  Reading. 

She  must  have  known,  that  in  marrying  a 
widower  with  three  children,  and  commencing 
life  as  a  wife  and  a  mother,  she  burdened  her- 
self with  responsible  cares  and  duties  from 
which  she  had  the  opportunity,  had  she  so  de- 


RESIDENCE  AT  READINW. 


43 


termined,  of  being  free;  but  the  sphere  of  use- 
fulness in  a  large,  united,  and  flourishing  con- 
gregation, situated  in  a  lovely  country  town, 
and  among  a  people  where  vital  religion  abound- 
ed, no  doubt  had  great  influence  on  her  de- 
cision. God  had  respect  to  that  decision,  and 
honored  it  by  making  her  extensively  useful  to 
souls,  which  satisfied  and  delighted  her  more 
than  if  wealth  and  titles  had  been  added  to  her 
name.  Her  epistolary  correspondence  prepara- 
tory to  her  marriage,  would  for  its  piety  and 
prudence  be  suited  to  meet  any  eye,  and  fur- 
nish a  pattern  for  many  young  persons ;  for 
while  the  warm  aftection  of  the  heart  to  him 
who  had  gained  it  was  not  wanting,  aspirations 
after  spiritual  blessings,  and  earnest  desires 
after  qualification  for  the  important  sphere  she 
was  about  to  occupy,  formed  the  chief  subjects 
of  her  letters.  The  following  extract  is  given 
as  a  specimen  only. 

"I  have  often  thought  of  your  remark  the 
other  day,  on  the  importance  of  deep  personal 
piety,  and  its  habitual  manifestation  at  home 
in  order  to  usefulness  abroad;  it  completely 
coincides  with  my  views,  while  it  magnifies  my 


44 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


feeling  of  unfitness  for  so  lovely  a  situation  as 
it  must  be  when  its  duties  are  indeed  per- 
formed. But  my  very  own  dear  friend,  he  who 
honors  Grod  and  whom  God  has  honored,  has 
no  strength  in  himself — all  is  imparted;  and 
even  holy  Paul,  when  declaring  that  he  -could 
'do  all  things,'  was  equally  obliged  to  add, 
'through  Christ  who  strengtheneth  me.'  And 
may  not  your  helpless  Patty  hope  for  the  much- 
needed  aid  of  Him  who  surely  has  led  her  into 
so  responsible  a  post?  "When  heaven's  win- 
dows are  opened  for  your  supply,  will  she  be 
passed  by  whose  necessities  are  so  much  great- 
er, and  when  his  name  would  be  peculiarly 
glorified,  as  the  divine  hand  would  be  more 
distinctly  seen?  0  for  the  entire,  unreserved 
surrender  of  our  all  to  the  service  of  our  Grod. 
May  our  mutual  affection  be  as  oil  to  the  wheels 
of  devotion  and  obedience.  I  am  certain  that 
our  happiness  must  depend  on  our  devotedness 
to  G-od,  and  we  would  not  have  a  happiness, 
falsely  so  called,  which  could  exist  without  a 
life  of  communion  with  our  redeeming  God. 
May  but  the  promised  Spirit  be  shed  abundantly 
upon  us,  and  then  we  have  nothing  to  fear." 


RESIDENCE  AT  READING.  45 


First  impressions  of  any  place  are  allowed  to 
have  great  influence  on  our  content  and  com- 
fort.   Let  her  describe  hers  herself. 

"  I  have  now  arrived  at  my  apparently 
happy  home.  It  is  just  what  a  minister's 
should  be — neat,  genteel,  and  cheerful.  The 
house  stands  on  a  rising  ground^ commanding 
delightful  views  over  the  valley  of  the  Kennet, 
is  very  dry  and  healthy,  and,  as  you  would 
expect,  very  nicely  furnished.  Think  of  your 
poor  Patty  becoming  a  mother  without  any 
suffering,  and  sitting  down  with  three  sweet 
children,  of  ages  to  understand  and  appreciate 
affection.  I  cannot  tell  what  love  a  mother 
feels  to  those  she  has  borne,  but  I  think  it  im- 
possible that  I  could  love  Any  children  of  my 
own  rriore  than  these  whom  I  have  adopted. 
May  I  have  grace  given  to  train  them  all  for 
God,  that  if  I  should  be  removed  from  them, 
as  their  dear  mother  has  been,  they  may  follow 
.her  useful  life  and  enter  into  her  unspeakable 
joy.  It  is  too  early  to  say  much  about  our 
nmtual  love,  but  it  will  comfort  you  to  hear, 
what  I  believe  you  never  questioned,  that  I 
find  in  my  precious  husband  a  devoted,  sym- 


46 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


pathizing,  forbearing  heart.  Much  has  he  to 
overlook  in  my  ignorance  and  want  of  tact, 
but  by  his  persevering  tuition  I  hope  to  be 
somewhat  qualified  for  the  important  station  I 
now  fill.  I  can  scarcely  believe  that  I  have 
had  the  temerity  to  venture  upon  such  an  un- 
tried life;  and  did  I  not  know  the  fulness  of 
grace  in  my  all-compassionate  Saviour,  and 
that  he  is  fully  acquainted  with  the  desires  of 
my  heart,  however  feebly  expressed  to  him,  to 
be  the  humble  and  honored  instrument  of  win- 
ning souls  to  himself,  I  must  despair. 

"Every  one  of  the  congregation  whom  I 
have  seen  cheers  me  with  hope;  and  I  esteem 
this  especially  kind,  as  I  am  the  successor  of 
one  who  lives  in  their  hearts  and  memories, 
and  by  her  prudence,  piety,  and  superintend- 
ence, has  won  golden  opinions  from  this  in- 
teresting circle.  0,  how  unworthy  do  I  feel 
of  such  an  honor,  and  how  incapable  of  tread- 
ing in  her  steps.  Several  of  the  members  of 
the  church  are  persons  of  exalted  piety,  silch 
as  I  have  longed  to  see,  but  never  yet  had  in- 
tercourse with;  particularly  Mr.  F.  He  seems 
more  like  Enoch  than  any  other  person  to 


RESIDENCE  AT  READlWa.  47 

whom  I  can  compare  him — walking  with  God — 
never  meeting  you  without  a  heart  like  a  foun- 
tain, pouring  out  streams  of  love  to  Christ,  and 
desires  that  all  might  know  and  love  him.  The 
church  is  active,  having  something  to  do,  and 
hearts  to  do  it. 

"  In  the  villages  around  Reading,  my  dear 
husband  has  built  five  chapels,  and  taken  two 
others  under  his  charge.  As  objects  in  the 
landscape  they  are  exceedingly  picturesque, 
being  built  of  Bath  stone,  with  towers  or  stee- 
ples, and  placed  in  commanding  situations.  So 
that  at  home  and  abroad  there  is  plenty  to 
do.  Pity  your  poor  ignorant  friend,  who  has 
every  thing  to  learn,  and  is  very  slow  in  re- 
ceiving instruction  ;  and  pray  for  her,  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  may  qualify  her  to  pursue  the 
glorious  enterprise  which  presents  itself  to  her 
eye,  that  Christ  may  be  magnified  in  her, 
whether  it  be  by  life  or  by  death." 

It  is  very  difficult  for  persons  of  courageous 
h^pirits,  or  for  those  whose  lengthened  labors  in 
spiritual  services  have  rendered  them  almost  a 
habit,  to  understand  the  timidity  and  struggles 
which  a  delicate  and  hitherto  unpractised  mind 


48 


ilARTHA  SHERMAN. 


experiences  in  its  first  effort  in  any  public 
work  for  God.  They  forget  their  former  diffi- 
culties ;  or  if  the  work  became  natural  to  them 
from  the  first,  they  cannot  sympathize  with 
any  whose  efforts  have  been  useful,  but  quite 
of  another  kind  from  those  in  which  they  have 
been  so  long  engaged.  Hence,  in  their  zeal 
instead  of  leading  the  timid  step  by  step,  they 
often  deter  and  distress  them  by  exclamation? 
of  astonishment  at  their  backwardness  or  un- 
fitness. Females,  especially  those  of  refined 
habits  and  superior  education,  require  the 
most  tender  treatment  to  induce  them  to  em- 
ploy their  talents  in  any  public  manner,  and 
have  far  more  difficulties  to  overcome  than 
those  of  inferior  knowledge  and  station.  Oh, 
what  would  many  of  them  give  for  a  kind  and 
sympathizing  friend,  who  has  been  in  similar 
circumstances  before  her  activity  for  Christ ' 
commenced,  and  who  would  lead  them  on 
gently  as  they  were  able  to  bear  it. 

Such  was  Mrs.  Sherman's  difficulty  in  her 
new  station.  On  the  first  Sunday  after  her 
entrance  into  Reading,  she  went  to  the  Sun- 
day-school to  see  if  she  could  be  useful  hy 


RESIDENCE  AT  READING.  49 

taking  a  class  of  children  to  instruct.  Cir- 
cumstances had  not  permitted  her  to  under- 
take this  duty  at  Enfield,  and  the  labor  was 
therefore  wholly  new  to  her.  A  lady  who  had 
generally  superintended  the  female  school,  and 
who  united  in  her  character,  piety,  zeal,  and 
perseverance,  very  heartily  welcomed  her,  and 
expressed  her  joy  in  finding  the  minister's 
wife  willing  to  assist  m  training  the  children 
for  heaven.  Immediately  in  a  great  bustle, 
she  introduced  the  female  teachers  to  her,  one 
after  another,  and  assured  them  that  now  the 
minister's  wife  was  come  to  their  help  the 
school  must  prosper.  "  I  fear  you  miscalcu- 
late my  feeble  help  and  influence,"  meekly 
repHed  Mrs.  Sherman,  heaving  a  deep  sigh. 
Before  the  teachers  dispersed  to  their  classes, 
the  zealous  superintendent  brought  the  books, 
and  described  the  modes  of  registering  their 
names,  marking  their  attendance,  and  giving 
rewards.  "  You  see,  by  these  books,  we  have 
not  been  so  orderly  as  we  ought,  but  now  you 
are  come  among  us  every  thing  will  be  set  to 
rights ;  and  I  merely  show  you  these,  in  order 
that  you  may  speak  to  the  teachers  on  the 
s.,„„..„  4 


50 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


necessity  of  punctuality  and  regularity  in  their 
attendance  and  records  of  the  school.  You  do 
not  know  what  good  you  may  do." 

With  a  heart  palpitating  from  conscious 
ignorance  of  these  plans,  and  giving  the  as- 
surance that  she  could  introduce  no  improve- 
ment, she  ventured  to  say,  "It  is  all  new  to 
me,  and  I  shall  have  to  learn  of  you ;  I  have 
never  taught  in  a  Sunday-school  before."  "  In- 
deed !"  was  the  answer,  witli  a  very  signifi- 
cant "/tew,"  which  conveyed  more  than  it 
expressed.  At  this  moment  a  small  bell  rang 
for  the  opening  of  the  school.  "You  will,  of 
course,  open  the  school  with  prayer  for  us," 
said  the  lady.  "No,  I  am  sorry  that  I  can- 
not possibly  undertake  that  service ;  I  have 
only  prayed  in  private,  with  a  female,  and 
should  be  quite  confounded  in  the  attempt  to 
pray  before  so  many,"  was  the  answer.  The 
blush  rose  in  her  cheeks,  and  her  spirit  be- 
came well-nigh  overwhelmed  at  the  evidences 
of  her  incapacity,  but  she  proceeded,  "  You 
will  be  kind  enough  to  conduct  the  school  as 
usual,  and  I  will  take  a  few  children  as  a 
class,  and  try  to  help  you."    "  Oh,  no,"  said 


RESIDENCE  AT  READING.  51 

this  zealous  friend,  "  I  cannot  pray  before  you  ; 
we  thought  all  our  difficulties  would  be  at  an 
end  when  you  came.  We  heard  of  your  use- 
fulness and  zeal,  and  expect  you  to  be  a  great 
blessing  among  us." 

Concealing  her  feelings  as  much  as  possible, 
and  using  her  entreaties,  Mrs.  Sherman  at  last 
won  over  the  superintendent  to  open  the  school, 
I  after  which  she  took  a  class.    At  its  conclu- 
I  sion  she  returned  home  with  a  broken  heart, 
i  gave  vent  to  her  sorrow  in  a  flood  of  tears,  and 
I  relating  the  circumstances  of  the  afternoon, 
t  expressed  her  fear  that  her  husband  had  made 
a  wretched  choice,  in  introducing  one  so  utterly 
unqualified  to  lead  as  she  was  ;  that  everyone 
was  disappointed  in  her,  and  her  Saviour's 
cause  would   suffer  from  her  inexperience. 
This  was  not  the  effect  of  mortified  pride  at 
the  rough  manner  in  which  she  had  been 
treated,  not  a  complaint  of  which  escaped  her 
lips — although  no  one  felt  more  acutely  tlie 
want  of  courtesy  and  delicacy  in  a  female 
whenever  they  were  manifested — but  a  deep 
sense  of  her  deficiency  in  those  qualifications 
which  she  thought  the  cause  of  Christ  required 


52 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


from  a  minister's  wife.  Now,  this  lady  was  a 
talented,  useful,  devoted  person,  "but  lacked 
the  tact  required  to  draw  out  talent  in  another, 
and  to  treat  v/ith  a  delicate  mind.  Her  senti- 
ments were  uttered  with  all  honesty  and  zeal 
for  her  Master,  and  for  the  success  of  the 
school,  yet  they  had  a  repellent  rather  than 
an  attractive  power  to  a  timid  but  willing 
mind,  which  instead  of  receiving  the  encour- 
agement that  was  so  peculiarly  needed,  was 
thus  made  to  feel  more  painfully  helpless.  Oh 
how  much  wisdom,  as  well  as  zeal,  is  required 
in  dealing  with  souls. 

A  band,  however,  of  holy  women  used  influ- 
ence of  another  and  a  better  kind,  more  adapt- 
ed to  her  difficulties  and  timidity.  A  Maternal 
Society  had  for  some  time  been  formed  at  Read- 
ing ;  the  object  of  which  was,  by  prayer,  read- 
ing, and  conversation,  to  awaken  in  the  minds 
of  mothers  a  proper  sense  of  their  duties  and 
responsibilities,  and  to  inform  and  direct  them 
in  their  performance.  These  pious  and  edu- 
cated mothers  were  representatives  from  all 
denominations  of  Christians  in  the  town,  and 
were  like  working-bees,  bringing  the  honey 


RESIDENCE  AT  READING. 


53 


they  gathered  from  every  source,  and  making 
it  the  common  property  of  the  whole  associa- 
tion. Here  social  prayer  was  presented  month 
after  month,  suggestions  were  offered,  and  she 
obtained  the  benefit  of  their  more  enlarged  ex- 
perience in  training  the  young  immortals  she 
had  so  lovingly  and  so  prayerfully  taken  under 
her  wing. 

Jn  giving  her  opinion  of  these  meetings  a 
little  before  her  death,  she  said,  "Although 
some  who  assembled  on  those  occasions  were 
a  little  too  fast  for  me,  I  can  never  sufficiently 
thank  God  for  the  benefit  I  derived  from  the 
prayers  and  conversation  of  those  holy  women. 
Though  for  a  long  time  I  could  not  be  pre- 
vailed upon  to  pray  before  them,  my  mind  was 
wonderfully  awakened  to  more  serious  reflec- 
tion on  maternal  responsibility,  and  led  to  at- 
tempt in  maternal  discipline,  what,  without 
these  conversations,  I  should  have  deemed 
impracticable.  Of  what  little  advantage  my 
precious  children  have  derived  from  my  im- 
perfect endeavors  for  their  salvation,  much 
must  be  attributed  to  this  heavenly  inter- 
course ;  and  to  my  latest  day,  I  .shall  remem- 


54 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


ber  with  gratitude  the  patience,  sympathy,  and 
affection  of  that  group  of  mothers,  for  one  so 
inexperienced." 

"While  these  meetings  were  in  progress,  and 
a  general  desire  prevailed  for  a  revival  in  re- 
ligion, the  Rev.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Codman,  from 
America,  visited  Reading,  and  by  their  con- 
versation tended  greatly  to  increase  the  im- 
pression of  its  necessity  and  attainahleneas. 
After  dinner  one  day,  when  Mrs.  Codman  and 
Mrs.  Sherman  had  retired,  the  latter  entreated- 
the  former,  as  a  parting  kindness,  to  pray  with 
her  that  this  revival  which  had  been  the  sub- 
ject of  conversation,  might  come  to  her,  her 
children,  her  husband,  and  the  church  of  Christ 
over  which  he  presided;  to  which  she  readily 
consented ;  and  after  pouring  out  her  heart  in 
fervent  supplication,  which  deeply  affected  Mrs. 
Sherman,  Mrs.  Codman  before  they  rose  from 
their  knees  turned  to  her  timid  friend  and  said, 
"Can  you  allow  me  to  go  to  America  without 
asking  G-od  to  bless  me  and  mine?  Come, 
thou  blessed  of  the  Lord,  let  G-od  and  me  hear 
your  voice."  The  appeal  was  so  well-timed, 
so  reasonable,  so  affectionately  uttered,  and 


RESIDENCE  AT  READING.  55 

took  her  so  entirely  by  surprise,  that  she  had 
.  not  time  to  summon  her  fears ;  and  with  a  sigh 
for  help  which  reached  the  divine  ear  she  be- 
gan, and  in  a  strain  of  heavenly  fervency  and 
devotional  power  poured  out  such  petitions  for 
her  friend  and  her  family,  as  completely  sur- 
prised and  delighted  her. 

Observing  Mrs.  Codman  much  affected,  her 
husband  asked  if  any  thing  had  troubled  her. 
"  0,  no,"  said  Dr.  Codman ;  your  precious  wife 
has  been  praying  with  her,  and  she  says  she 
has  never  heard  a  prayer  like  it  for  power  and 
gracious  effect  on  the  heart:  she  is  sure  that 
no  person  can  pray  in  that  manner,  who  is  not 
in  the  habit  of  very  intimate  communion  with 
God."  This  was  a  great  encouragement  to 
her  ever  afterwards,  and  though  she  shunned 
the  engagement,  yet  when  pressed  upon  her 
by  duty,  she  felt  the  difficulty  far  less  than 
before.  Thus  does  Grod  by  his  providence  often 
appear  for  us,  eliciting  hidden  talent,  and  giv- 
ing power  to  the  faint  among  his  disciples,  for 
future  efforts  in  his  church. 

In  all  towns  there  is  usually  a  special  local- 
ity where  the  poorest  and  most  wretched  of  the 


56 


MARTHA  SHEPaiAN. 


inhabitants  dwell.  This  locahty  in  Reading 
was  Hanover-square,  in  Coley-lane,  very  un- 
hke  the  spot  in  London  from  which  its  aristo- 
cratic name  was  taken;  for  its  houses  were 
very  filthy,  and  its  residents  the  worst  of  the 
population  of  that  otherwise  clean  and  respect- 
able town.  Here,  however,  Mrs.  Sherman 
commenced  a  sy.stematic  and  regular  weekly 
visitation  of  the  families,  instructing  the  poor 
ignorant  mothers  in  the  training  of  their  chil- 
dren,  and  in  the  way  to  make  domestic  life 
happy,  as  well  as  in  the  more  important  lessons 
of  evangelical  truth.  At  first  she  was  .coldly 
received,  but  after  a  few  visits  became  such  a 
favorite,  that  the  children  would  run  to  wel- 
come her,  and  every  door  in  the  district  was 
thrown  open  to  receive  their  "friend,"  which 
was  the  name  by  which  they  were  accustomed 
to  designate  their  benefactress.  After  twelve 
months'  labor,  the  locality  assumed  an  air  of 
greater  cleanliness  and  comfort,  many  of  its 
inhabitants  attended  the  preaching  of  the  gos- 
pel, every  child  capable  of  leaving  home  was 
sent  to  a  Sunday-school,  and  some  few  instances 
of  hopeful  conversion  were  the  high  reward  of 


RESIDENCE  AT  READING. 


57 


this  disinterested  labor  of  love.  And,  generally 
speaking,  wherever  the  effort  is  made  in  a  right 
spirit  to  help  and  comfort  the  poor  and  elevate 
their  condition,  without  attempting  to  interfere 
with  their  independence  and  make  them  slaves 
by  charity,  similar  results  will  follow. 

During  her  eighteen  months'  residence  in 
Reading,  it  pleased  God  to  spare  her  life  twice 
by  great  deliverances.  In  the  month  of  July 
succeedinsr  her  marriage,  her  husband  was 
driving  her  and  a  Christian  friend  in  a  phaeton 
to  Henley,  when,  about  half  the  distance  from 
that  town,  by  some  extraordinary  neglect,  the 
linchpin  of  the  forewheel  came  out,  and  let 
the  carriage  down  on  one  end  of  the  fore-axle: 
the  friend  who  sat  behind  was  thrown  out  first, 
her  husband  next,  and  herself  last ;  but  in  fall- 
ing out  her  foot  became  entangled  in  the  rein, 
which  bound  itself  tightly  round  her  ankle :  the 
horse  took  fright,  and  ran  a  distance  of  above 
one  hundred  yards  with  Mrs.  Sherman  dragging 
by  the  side  of  the  wheel.  Never  can  the  sen- 
sations of  that  moment  be  forgotten.  Death  in 
one  of  its  horrid  forms  seemed  inevitable.  In 
an  agony  strengthened  by  despair  of  help  from 


58  MARTHA  SHERMAN. 

man — for  no  one  was  near  at  the  moment — hei 
husband  screamed  to  the  horse  to  stop,  and 
God  made  the  animal  obedient;  for  though 
running  at  a  rapid  pace,  the  moment  he  heard 
his  master's  voice,  he  stood  still  till  he  came 
up  to  him  and  released  his  precious  treasure, 
whom  he  received  again  as  alive  from  the  dead. 
0,  none  can  tell  the  intense  suffering  of  such  a 
moment  to  the  spectator,  but  such  as  have 
experienced  it,  and  it  is  hoped  their  number  is 
small.  Except  her  clothes  being  torn  from  her 
person,  and  some  few  lacerations  of  the  skin, 
Mrs.  Sherman  sustained  little  injury,  and  after 
a  few  days  was  as  well  as  usual.  This  occur- 
red on  a  Friday  evening,  the  regular  evening  on 
which  the  weekly  concert  for  prayer  was  held ; 
and  arriving  in  Reading  just  at  the  time  of 
their  assembling,  an  opportunity  was  afforded 
for  her  husband  to  lead  the  people  to  unite  with 
him  in  thanksgivings  to  Grod  for  so  signal  a 
deliverance. 

The  other  affliction  to  which  allusion  has 
been  made,  was  an  illness  which  at  an  early 
stage  was  considered  light,  but  which  after  a 
short  time  assumed  a  very  formidable  charac- 


RESIDENCE  AT  READING.  59 

ter,  and  threatened  fatal  consequences  if  not 
speedily  checked.  That  which  peculiarly  ag- 
gravated her  trial,  was  her  husband's  affliction 
at  the  same  time.  He  was  engaged  to  preach 
at  the  opening  of  a  new  chapel  in  the  month 
of  January,  and  preparatory  to  preaching,  as 
the  only  place  of  retirement  that  could  he  had, 
he  was  put  into  an  unfinished  vestry,  the  plas- 
ter of  which  was  streaming  with  water.  It 

I  was  a  bitter,  frosty  night,  and  as  he  sat  warm- 
ing himself  by  a  fire  made  of  wood,  in  a  grate 
formed  by  a  few  bricks,  he  soon  felt  alternately 

I  shivering  with  cold  and  burning  with  heat. 

&After  the  service,  he  mentioned  to  a  friend  who 
drove  him  a  distance  of  about  fifteen  miles  in 
a  gig,  to  London,  his  fears  that  a  severe  cold 
would  be  the  result,  the  symptoms  of  which 
clearly  enough  developed  themselves  soon  after 
his  arrival  in  Reading.  In  a  few  days,  brain- 
fever  began  to  appear,  the  head  was  shaved, 
ice  was  applied,  and  copious  bleeding  resort- 
ed to;  and  at  length,  though  the  symptoms 
were  subdued,  fears  were  expressed  that  the 
system  would  not  rally.  Grod,  however,  gra- 
ciously heard  prayer,  and  restored  him  to  con- 


60  MARTHA  SHERMAN. 

valescence;  but  the  first  time  of  going  out  to 
the  house  of  God,  fresh  cold  was  taken.  The 
symptoms  returned  in  an  aggravated  form,  and 
for  three  weeks  very  slight  hopes  were  enter- 
tained by  the  medical  attendant  of  ultimate 
restoration.  After  another  month  of  severe 
distress,  improvement  began  to  manifest  itself, 
and  again  he  was  permitted  to  sing  in  the 
sanctuary,  "I  was  brought  low,  and  He  helped 
me." 

To  be  herself  a  prisoner  during  the  greater 
portion  of  her  husband's  illness,  and  to  be  un- 
able to  minister  to  him,  was  to  that  tender 
heart  an  aggravation  of  suffering,  which  re- 
quired all  the  courageous  efforts  of  faith  and 
patience  to  bear  meekly.  And  why  was  this 
trial  sent  ?  Not  to  awaken  love — in  that  she 
abounded ;  but  to  make  affection  appear  in 
an  ingenious  method  of  ministration,  which 
1  ended  much  to  calm  the  slightly  disturbed  in- 
tellect of  her  fellow-sufferer.  She  wrote  sen- 
timents and  portions  of  Scripture  many  times 
during  the  day,  and  sent  them  to  be  read  as 
he  could  bear  them.  And  truly  they  were  like 
drops  of  dew  on  the  parched  flower.    Long  con- 


RESIDENCE  AT  READING.  61 

versations,  or  reading,  or  prayers,  a  head  weak- 
ened by  suffering  cannot  endure  ;  but  a  golden 
sentence,  selected  for  you  from  the  book  of 
God,  when  you  cannot  think  for  yourself,  and 
sent  unexpectedly,  when  you  most  need  help, 
is  a  boon  which  a  gracious  heart  appreciates. 

When  health  was  again  mercifully  vouch- 
safed to  her,  the  work  of  the  Lord  was  her 
chief  delight.  Though  a  dear  lover  of  nature, 
and  with  a  refined  taste  capable  of  relishing  its 
beauties,  all  her  drives  round  the  country  were 
made  subservient  to  the  welfare  of  souls,  and 
were  sure  to  have  associated  with  them  er- 
rands of  mercy  to  the  villagers.  It  will  sur- 
prise none  that  she  took  the  deepest  interest 
in  the  beautiful  little  chapels  which  had  been 
erected,  and  still  more  in  the  congregations 
which  assembled  within  them,  to  listen  to  the 
glad  tidings  of  salvation. 

Some  short  time  previous  to  her  marriage, 
her  husband  had  received  a  pressing  invitation 
tc  become  the  successor  of  the  late  Rev.  Row- 
land Hill,  at  Surrey  chapel ;  but  as  evangel- 
ical religion  did  not  flourish  in  the  Church  of 
England  at  Reading,  and  the  claims  of  the 


62 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


people  of  his  charge  upon  his  affections  ahd 
labors  were  preeminent,  after  conference  and 
prayer  with  the  elders  of  the  church,  he  be- 
lieved it  to  be  his  duty  to  decline  the  honorable 
and  important  post.  In  the  spring  of  1836, 
the  invitation  was  renewed,  accompanied  by  a 
letter  from  the  church  and  congregation  at 
Surrey  chapel,  signed  by  above  twelve  hundred 
persons. 

A  great  alteration  had,  during  the  interval, 
taken  place  in  the  town  of  Reading.  The  pul- 
pit of  every  church  but  one  was  occupied  by 
an  evangelical  clergyman  ;  several  of  the  prin- 
cipal persons  in  the  congregation,  who  were 
attached  members  of  the  Church  of  England, 
had  wholly  left,  to  worship  with  those  of  their 
own  communion,  or  were  in  the  habit  of  onl) 
partially  attending  at  Castle-street  chapel 
and  the  consequence  was,  that  the  interest 
such  persons  had  previously  felt  in  the  pastor, 
and  the  church  of  Christ  which  he  served,  was 
divided,  and  it  was  difficult  to  maintain  the 
same  communion  with  them,  or  carry  out  the 
same  designs  of  usefulness,  in  which  formerly 
they  had  mutually  taken  such  deep  interest. 


RESIDENCE  AT  READING.  63 

And  although  many  "clave  unto  him,"  yet  it 
seemed  plain  to  his  judgment,  and  to  that  of 
his  wife,  that  now  the  Lord  said  in  his  prov- 
idence, "Arise  ye,  and  depart,  for  this  is  not 
your  rest;"  which  was  confirmed  by  confer- 
ence with  ministerial  brethren,  who  knew  the 
claims  of  both  congregations,  and  who  gave 
their  unanimous  verdict  in  favor  of  a  removal 
to  Surrey  chapel. 

The  following  letter,  on  the  receipt  of  a  ret- 
icule beautifully  wrought  by  a  dear  friend  in 
London,  and  sent  for  the  purpose  of  holding 
her  tracts  for  Hanover  square,  will  show  her 
feelings  in  leaving,  as  she  ever  called  it,  "dear 
Reading." 

"April  8,  1836. 

"I  think,  my  sweet  friend,  you  must  have 
been  surprised  at  not  having  received  from  me, 
before  this  time,  some  acknowledgment  of  your 
very  elegant  and  useful  present ;  doubly  use- 
ful, as  containing  two  beautiful  little  volumes. 
Many,  many  thanks  for  your  great  kindness  to 
so  unworthy  an  individual ;  I  think  it,  at  pres- 
ent, too  delicate  to  be  appropriated  as  you  jn- 


64 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


tended  ;  the  filthy  tracts  I  usually  receive  from 
Hanover  square,  vi^ould  soon  decide  the  fate  of 
the  reticule :  when  it  has  moved  for  a  season 
in  a  higher  sphere,  and  its  beauty  begins  to 
fade,  it  will  probably  be  applied  as  you  pro- 
pose ;  but  if  I  can  divine  at  all,  that  will  not 
be  in  dear  Reading.  How  true  is  the  old  adage, 
'Blessings  brighten  as  they  take  their  flight.' 
1  see  charms  in  Hanover  square,  notwithstand- 
ing the  wretchedness  of  its  inhabitants,  which 
I  never  saw  before,  when  I  think  of  what  the 
poor  of  London  must  be. 

"But  I  would  forget  my  comforts,  which,  in 
case  of  our  removal,  must  be  parted  with,  and 
lose  my  own  will  in  that  of  Him  who,  I  firmly 
oelieve,  will  be  our  guide.  What  would  we 
live  for,  but  to  glorify  God?  and  what  are 
outward  comforts  when  compared  with  the 
honor,  the  luxury  of  working  for  Grod.  I  some- 
times look  with  selfish  pleasure  on  my  pretty 
house  and  prospect,  and  grieve  to  exchange  it 
for  smoke  and  confined  air;  but  it  is  not  al- 
ways that  self  so  frightfully  predominates.  If 
we  may  but  be  made  instruments  of  greater 
usefulness,  and  of  extending  the  kingdom  of 


RESIDENCE  AT  READIKa. 


65 


Christ,  no  earthly  loss  or  sJ^crifice  will  be 
thought  of  in  comparison." 

After  sixteen  years  of  labor  among  a  devoted 
and  affectionate  people,  it  is  no  easy  thing  for 
a  minister  to  bid  them  farewell,  especially  if 
they  be  the  first  sixteen  years  of  pastoral  effort, 
when  zeal  is  most  fervent,  when  the  affections 
are  warmest,  and  friendships  are  most  easily 
formed.  Oh,  the  pangs  occasioned  by  tearing 
asunder  the  bands  of  union  between  his  con- 
verts and  him  who  had  begotten  them  in  the 
gospel ;  ^  by  leaving  the  frequented  walk,  and 
the  study,  where  the  voice  of  prayer  had  se- 
cretly ascended  in  fervent  and  constant  sup- 
plications, for  the  Spirit  of  God  to  fill  their 
hearts  and  his  house ;  by  turning  away  from 
the  spot  where  his  children  had  been  reared,, 
and  the  precious  dust  of  one  who  had  shared 
his  early  joys  and  trials  was  deposited,  and  by 
sacrificing  promised  wealth  and  independence, 
to  obey  what  he  believed  to  be  the  will  of 
God! 

In  all  these  sensations  the  subject  of  this 
memoir  largely  shared,  and  cheered  her  hus- 
band with  many  gladdening  hopes  of  bright 

Shcrmas.  5 


66 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


days,  of  glorious  conversions  to  Christ  amid  an 
abundant  population,  and  of  occasions  for  more 
errands  to  God's  throne  together,  by  reason  of 
more  oppressive  duties.  Happy  the  man  who, 
in  such  circumstances,  has  such  "  a  help  meet 
for  him," 


LABORS  FOE,  THE  YOUNG. 


67 


CHAPTER  IV. 

HER  REMOVAL  TO    SURREY    CHAPEL,  AND 
LABORS  AMONG  THE  YOUNG. 

On  Sabbath-day,  August  27,  1836,  her  hus- 
band preached  his  last  sermon  at  Castle-street 
chapel,  Reading,  to  a  vast  and  deeply  affected 
congregation ;  and  on  the  Tuesday  following, 
she  bade  farewell  to  those  who  had  so  kindly 
and  so  tenderly  assisted  her  in  her  new  and 
responsible  duties.  Crowds  gathered  round  the 
carriage  to  have  the  last  shake  of  the  hand, 
and  a  smile  from  that  loving  countenance  which 
conveyed  such  inexpressible  sweetness ;  while 
mutual  good  wishes  and  prayers  were  ex- 
changed amid  many  tears.  After  three  days' 
sojourn  at  Enfield  with  her  parents,  she  took 
up  her  residence  at  the  parsonage  adjoining 
Surrey  chapel,  built  by  Mr.  Hill,  and  in  which 
he  had  lived  for  above  fifty  years. 

It  may  not  be  uninteresting,  and  seems  al- 
most necessary,  in  order  to  estimate  her  labors 
and  devotedness,  to  give  a  brief  sketch  of  the 


68 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


origin  of  Surrey  chapel,  and  the  state  of  the 
church  and  congregation  there  at  the  time  she 
arrived. 

About  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century 
spiritual  darkness  prevailed  over  England,  and 
especially  over  the  metropolis,  to  an  extent  of 
which  at  present  we  have  but  little  conception. 
All  denominations  of  Christians  wei'e  sunk  into 
a  state  of  lukewarmness,  and  almost  entirely 
neglected  the  claims  of  a  perishing  population. 
Vice  and  immorality  abounded  among  all 
classes  of  the  community,  the  Sabbath-day  was 
awfully  profaned,  very  few  of  the  clergy  knew 
or  preached  the  gospel,  but  a  cold,  heartless 
system  of  morality  was  substituted  for  its  soul- 
saving  doctrines  ;  and  the  few  dissenting  minis- 
ters who  did  preach  it,  delivered  its  truths  in  a 
formal,  precise,  unimpressive  manner  ;  so  that 
the  number  of  places  of  worship  was  compara- 
tively small,  and  most  were  ill  attended. 

At  this  period,  it  pleased  God  to  raise  up  a 
few  individuals  who  were  as  eminent  for  their 
godliness  as  for  their  zeal.  Careless  of  the 
opinions  of  the  world,  and  determined  to  exalt 
the  kingdom  of  their  Saviour,  they  braved  dan- 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG. 


69 


ger  and  endured  persecution,  in  their  efforts  to 
awaken  sinners  to  a  concern  for  their  eternal 
interests.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  G.  Whitfield,  John 
and  Charles  "Wesley,  Jolin  Berridge,  W.  Ro- 
maine,  John  Newton,  J.  Jones,  are  names  well 
known  in  this  religious  reformation ;  among  the 
laity,  the  Countess  of  Huntingdon,  Sir  Richard 
Hill,  and  several  of  the  nobility  and  gentry, 
stood  nobly  forward  to  help  in  the  good  work. 
To  the  honored  names  of  these  champions  for 
Christ,  must  be  added  that  of  the  Rev.  Row- 
land Hill,  who  was  the  sixth  son  of  Sir  Row- 
land Hill,  Baronet,  of  Hawkstone,  Shropshire. 
He  was  educated  at  Eton,  and  after  taking  his 
degree  at  Cambridge,  on  Sunday,  June  6,  1773, 
received  deacon's  orders  from  Dr.  "Wills  the 
bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells.  Yearning  over  the 
.spiritual  miseries  of  men,  he  could  not  confine 
himself  to  the  more  regular  and  established 
mode  of  preaching  in  a  church,  but  gladly  en- 
gaged in  that  work  wherever  he  could  gather  a 
congregation,  whether  in  the  market-place  or 
in  the  cathedral,  beneath  the  shade  of  a  tree 
or  in  the  dissenting  meeting-house ;  his  object 
being  to  win  souls  to  Christ,  and  ally  them  to 


70 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


his  spiritual  church,  found  in  every  visible  con- 
gregation of  his  worshippers.  After  having  for 
some  years  preached  in  most  of  the  counties  of 
England,  in  many  of  the  chui'ches,  chapels, 
and  streets  of  the  metropolis,  and  in  the  fields 
and  commons  of  its  vicinity,  to  large  and 
deeply  impressed  audiences,  he  determined  to 
erect  a  chapel  in  the  southern  part  of  London. 

A  liberal  subscription  was  commenced,  to 
which  he  was  the  chief  contributor.  A  site  in 
St.  George's  Fields  was  obtained,  and  the  first 
stone  of  Surrey  chapel  was  laid  by  its  future 
minister,  on  June  24,  1782.  In  the  course  of 
a  year  it  was  erected,  and  opened  for  divine 
worship  June  8,  1783;  on  which  occasion  its 
founder  preached  in  the  morning,  from  1  Cor. 
1 : 23,  and  the  Rev.  J.  Piercy  in  the  evening, 
from  Psalm  74  :  22.  The  building  is  octagonal, 
and  accommodates  between  two  and  three 
thousand  persons. 

Mr.  Hill  continued  the  pastor  during  a  period 
of  nearly  fifty  years,  until  his  death,  which 
happened  on  April  11,  1833;  and  after  that 
event,  for  three  years  and  a  half,  the  congre- 
gation was  served  by  ministers  from  variou.s 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  71 

parts  of  the  country,  till  September  4,  1836, 
on  which  Sabbath  the  present  minister  began 
his  responsible  labors  by  preaching  from  Psalm 
71:16:  "I  will  go  in  the  strength  of  the 
Lord  God ;  I  will  make  mention"  of  thy  right- 
eousness, even  of  thine  only." 

From  the  foundation  of  Surrey  chapel,  Mr. 
Hill  had  collected  around  him  a  number  of  holy 
and  liberal  men,  who  by  their  labors  and  prop- 
erty were  ever  ready  to  second  and  carry  out 
his  designs  of  usefulness;  so  that  the  congre- 
gation took  part  in  originating  some,  and  in 
largely  supporting  most  of  the  existing  institu- 
tions for  evangelizing  the  population,  and  for 
bettering  their  temporal  condition.  It  was 
therefore  known  as  a  focus  of  liberality  and 
activity,  to  which  Mr.  Hill,  by  his  munificence 
and  devotedness,  set  a  noble  example.  All  its 
original  founders  had  finished  their  earthly 
course,  but  a  band  of  Christians  of  similar 
devotedness,  if  not  of  equal  wealth,  had  been 
raised  up  to  succeed  them.  From  the  infirm- 
ities of  Mr.  Hill  in  the  latter  years  of  his  life, 
he  was  not  able  to  pay  the  same  attention  to 
its  interests  as  in  his  prime  and  energy;  and  a 


72 


MARTHA  SHERMAN 


terra  of  three  years  and  a  half  without  a  pastor 
was  not  hkely  to  improve  the  order  and  inter- 
ests of  the  church  and  congregation.  Still,  even 
then  it  might  be  called  a  flourishing  church. 
It  consisted  of  five  hundred  and  fifty  mem- 
bers in  actual  attendance,  and  -above  twenty- 
five  hundred  children  were  under  Sabbath 
instruction  by  three  hundred  teachers.  The 
Benevolent,  Missionary,  Bible,  Tract,  and  other 
societies  were  prospering,  and  many  believers 
valuing  Christian  privileges  were  waiting  until 
the  appointment  of  a  pastor  to  be  united  to  the 
church. 

The  wisdom  required  in  the  newly  appointed 
minister  and  his  wife  was,  to  keep  this  vast 
machinery  in  accelerated  motion,  to  bring  into 
use  these  already  prepared  materials,  to  con- 
firm the  members  in  their  acts  of  piety  and 
devotedness,  and,  though  without  the  ample 
means  of  Mr.  Hill,  to  set  such  an  example  of 
liberaUty  as  might  advance,  rather  than  check, 
the  generosity  of  the  congregation.  For  such 
purposes  Mrs.  Sherman  was  preeminently 
adapted,  as  her  future  course  gave  the  most 
satisfactory  evidence ;  and  her  husband,  on 


LABOE.S  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  73 

looking  back,  cannot  but  attribute,  under  the 
divine  blessing,  much,  of  the  harmony,  piety, 
and  zeal  evinced,  to  her  prudence,  love,  exam- 
ple, and  unceasing  devotedness  to  the  interests 
of  the  church  and  its  institutions. 

The  first  object  to  which  she  directed  her 
attention  was  the  formation  of  a  class  of  young 
females,  too  old  to  attend  the  Sunday-school, 
and  too  young  and  inexperienced  to  assist  in 
teaching;  with  the  hope  that  by  preparatory 
instruction  and  discipline,  they  might  hereafter 
become  intelligent  and  useful  teachers  in  the 
various  schools  belonging  to  the  congregation. 
The  fact  had  often  occasioned  her  considerable 
anxiety,  that  too  large  a  proportion  of  our  Sun- 
day-scholars, when  they  arrive  at  the  age  of 
fourteen  or  fifteen,  commence  a  system  of  Sab- 
bath profanation,  are  lost  to  the  congregations 
who  train  them,  and  seldom  attend  a  place  of 
worship;  and  she  determined,  if  possible,  to 
arrest  the  evil,  by  giving  the  females  an  opportu- 
nity of  still  obtaining  instruction  without  going 
into  the  school.  The  dining-room  in  the  par- 
sonage was  appropriated  to  their  use  on  the 
Sabbath  afternoon,  and  she  commenced  her  first 


74 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


effort  with  fifty-three  scholars,  on  December  1, 
1836. 

Her  highest  object  was  to  awaken  conviction 
of  their  sinful  state ;  and  by  lovely  exhibitions 
of  Christ  and  his  salvation,  to  bring  them  to 
decision  for  him.  The  subjects  she  chose  were 
plain  and  full  of  the  gospel;  the  plenitude  of 
grace  and  the  beauty  of  holiness  were  her  fa- 
vorite themes,  illustrated  with  the  biography 
of  the  ancient  saints  of  holy  writ,  or  of  modern 
believers  whose  names  and  characters  were 
famiUar  to  the  Chiistian  world.  She  had  a 
peculiarly  happy  art  of  interspersing  hints  on 
neatness  in  dress — on  habits  of  domestic  econ- 
omy— on  cleanliness,  order,  and  punctuality — 
on  submission  to  parents,  which  told  with  great 
effect  on  their  minds;  and  many  of  the  schol- 
ars, now  mothers  of  families,  recollect  and  re- 
peat those  monitions  with  gratitude  and  joy. 
It  is  remarkable  how  successful  her  efforts  in 
this  class  were,  with  respect  to  the  decision  of 
the  scholars :  scarcely  one  who  continued  with 
her  any  length  of  time  remained  unconnected 
with  the  church;  and  though  she  had  her  dis- 
appointments and  trials  in  some,  by  far  the 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  75 

greater  number  were  ornaments  to  their  pro- 
fession, and  zealous  for  the  extension  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom. 

After  nearly  twelve  months  of  successful 
tuition  in  this  first  class,  the  young  ladies  of 
the  congregation  desired  that  similar  advan- 
tages might  be  extended  to  them,  as  the  means 
of  bringing  them  to  Grod  and  his  church ;  and 
much  to  their  honor,  they  wrote  an  interesting 
letter  of  entreaty  that  they  might  share  the 
love  and  wisdom  of  her  instructions,  at  such 
times  as  she  might  feel  consistent  with  Jaer 
increasing  engagements. 

The  following  is  the  answer  sent  to  their 
solicitations: 

"Surrey  Parsonage,  December  13,  1837. 

"Permit  me,  my  dear  young  friends,  to  ex- 
press the  gratification  which  your  request  has 
afforded  me,  as  it  proves  your  desire  after  more 
intimate  acquaintance  with  those  precious 
truths  which  'are  able  to  make  us  wise  unto 
salvation.'  Happy  should  I  be,  indeed,  if  my 
own  scriptural  knowledge  justified  your  flatter- 
ing ^supposition  that  I  can  assist  you;  my  ig- 
norance is  a  source  of  daily,  though  I  trust  not 


76 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


quite  idle  lamentation ;  but  while  I  am  endeav- 
oring to  remove  the  evil  I  mourn  by  reading 
and  prayer,  conscience  tells  me  I  shall  decline 
one  most  effectual  means  of  accomplishing  my 
object,  and  also  incur  guilt,  if  I  refuse  compli- 
ance with  the  request  to  impart  to  others  my 
little  store,  as  I  obtain  it.  If,  therefore,  my 
young  friends  will  come,  expecting  very  little 
from  me,  but  much  from  that  heavenly  Teacher 
who  will,  I  trust,  ever  come  with  them,  it 
will  delight  me  to  do  what  I  can,  not  to  make 
them  theologians — this  is  neither  my  ambition 
nor  my  province — but  to  aid  them,  by  the 
scripture  model  alone,  in  the  formation  of  that 
Christian  character  to  which  they  aspire. 

"You  will  allow  me  to  make  two  stipula- 
tions :  one,  that  perfect  punctuality  be  invari- 
ably observed  in  meeting  and  separating;  it 
will  always  afford  me  pleasure  to  converse  with 
any  who  may  wish  to  see  me,  but  not  either 
before  or  after  these  meetings,  the  time  so  oc- 
cupied being  the  utmost  I  can  spare ;  in  addition 
to  which,  if  Grod  should  deign  to  produce  im- 
pression on  the  mind,  conversation  of  any  kind 
may  remove  it.    Another  stipulation  is,  that 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  77 

there  be  much  prayer  for  the  influences  of  the 
Spirit  of  truth,  that  he  may  'teach  us  all 
things,'  and  smile  upon  the  attempt  from 
which  I  shrink  while  I  look  at  my  own  utter 
insufficiency ;  but  when*  my  faith  can  rest  upon 
the  promise,  'My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee, 
for  my  strength  is  perfected  in  weakness,'  I 
can  say  with  confidence,  I  welcome  you;  and 
I  believe  we  shall  together  pluck  of  the  fruits 
of  the  tree  of  life  on  this  side  of  the  river,  and 
eat,  and  live  for  ever. 

"The  first  Tue.sday  in  the  month,  at  twelve 
o'clock,  will  suit  my  convenience:  as  our  first 
meeting,  Tuesday,  January  2,  will  necessarily 
be  rather  introductory,  any  alteration  that  is 
deemed  desirable  I  will  endeavor  to  make,  if 
then  proposed.  Let  us  all  be  earnest  in  prayer, 
that  we  may  be  sanctified  through  the  truth, 
and  thus  be  made  meet  for  the  inheritance  of 
the  saints  in  light. 

"Believe  me,  my  dear  young  friends, 

"Yours  in  much  affection, 

"M.  SHERMAN." 

Her  notes  which  are  preserved  show  that 
preparation  for  these  classes  cost  her  much 


78 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


prayer  and  labor,  in  order  to  take  to  her 
young  friends  something  suitable  to  their  age, 
station,  and  circumstances.  Each  exercise 
was  written  tvvice  over,  once  roughly,  as 
thoughts  occurred  and  treasure  was  supplied 
by  reading,  then  more  correctly  arranged  and 
enlarged ;  and  each  class  had  its  separate  prep- 
aration, for  she  argued  that  as  the  pupils  were 
dissimilar  in  station  and  education,  they  re- 
quired to  be  addressed  accordingly,  and  she 
never  would  use  the  exercises  of  one  for  the 
other.  Her  labor  was  therefore  proportionately 
increased,  but  a  freshness  and  unction  were 
given  to  her  addresses  which  could  scarcely 
have  been  preserved  by  repetition.  It  was 
often  a  cause  of  astonishment  to  those  who 
were  with  her,  that  with  engagements  incident 
to  so  large  a  congregation,  which  would  have 
crushed  an  ordinary  mind,  and  with  an  ex- 
ceedingly extensive  and  voluminous  corre- 
spondence, both  foreign  and  domestic,  which 
she  kept  up  with  remarkable  order  and  spirit, 
she  could  find  time  for  these  weU-digested 
preparations ;  yet  she  was  never  known  to  fin- 
ish one  on  the  morning  on  which  she  delivered 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  79 

it;  it  was  ready  generally  two  or  three  daya 
before  it  was  required,  and  never  later  than 
the  previous  evening.  Scraps  of  time  were  sr 
judiciously  improved,  that  she  seemed  never  to 
want  it.  Every  place  too  she  could  make  her 
study,  and  turn  from  one  subject  to  another 
with  the  greatest  facility. 

In  this  manner  she  prepared,  and  afterwards 
delivered,  a  course  of  studies  on  the  whole  of 
the  book  of  Genesis,  on  the  parables  of  our 
Lord,  on  the  addresses  to  the  seven  churches 
of  Asia,  on  the  types  of  Christ,  on  part  of  the 
epistle  to  the  Romans,  and  on  the  person, 
work,  and  graces  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  In  de- 
scribing to  one  whom  she  loved  the  nature  of 
these  preparations,  she  observed,  "My  responsi- 
bility often  overwhelmed  me,  but  it  compelled 
me  the  more  frequently  to  visit  the  throne  of 
grace;  and  could  any  one  know  the  precious, 
the  indescribably  precious  communion  I  have 
had  with  Grod  under  the  lime-trees  at  Enfield 
and  in  my  chamber,  they  would  envy  me  the 
spiritual  luxury.  So  unskilled  a  mind  as  mine 
required  more  divine  influence  than  others  bet- 
ter taught ;  and  my  heavenly  Father  was  gra- 


80 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


cious  to  his  child,  in  stirring  up  my  spirit  to 
seek  him,  and  repaid  the  grace  he  gave  by 
granting,  in  answer  to  prayer,  such  assurance 
of  his  love  and  help,  as  made  me  renew  the 
exercise  with  courage  and  hope,  when  most 
ready  to  faint.  In  studying  the  Scriptures  and 
the  writings  of  holy  men  to  feed  my  classes, 
my  own  mind  became  nourished  with  the  milk 
of  the  gospel.  I  saw  the  glory  and  grace  of 
Christ  more  clearly,  and  was  the  more  firmly 
assured  of  the  things  which  I  had  previously 
believed.  0,  what  a  rich  reward,  and  what 
encouragement  to  others  to  use  their  talents  in 
the  service  of  God  and  his  church;  for  surely 
none  could  have  greater  discouragements  in 
making  the  attempt  than  I  experienced." 

The  monthly  class  of  young  ladies  cost  her 
the  more  anxiety  in  consequence  of  their  su- 
perior training  and  advantages,  and  the  greater 
backwardness  which  educated  persons  generally 
feel  to  reveal  their  religious  impressions.  She 
thus  writes  to  a  friend  who  proposed  a  certain 
day  and  hour  for  private  prayer,  in  which  they 
might  each  engage  in  their  separate  rooms,  for 
a  blessing  on  her  labors  in  the  class.    "  I  should 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNQ. 


81 


rejoice  to  meet  you  at  our  Father's  throne  on 
Saturday  evening,  if  that  time  will  suit  you. 
I  meet  my  beloved  mother  and  others  most 
dear  to  me  at  other  times,  and  that  is  the  time 
I  devote  to  prayer  for  my  dear  class.  I  never 
suffered  from  despondency  in  any  duty,  as  I 
did  in  my  new  class  on  Tuesday.  I  felt  it  a 
complete  failure,  and  I  believe  the  dear  young 
people  must  have  felt  so  too.  But  I  know  Grod 
can  bless  the  attempt,  and  sometimes  1  feel 
almost  certain  that  he  will.  0,  my  dear 
friend,  do  wrestle  for  me  with  Grod,  that  it  may 
prove  a  great  blessing.  I  want  encouragement 
in  it,  and  am  ashamed  of  my  own  fears." 

The  following  letter  shows  that  Grod  granted 
her  heart's  desire,  and  that  few  remained  long 
under  her  tuition  who  were  not  induced  to 
leave  the  world  and  join  themselves  to  the 
Lord,  and  in  some  way  serve  his  church  by 
their  labors. 

"My  very  dear  Friend — I  return  you  the 
letter  with  many  thanks,  and  regret  that  a  vio- 
lent cold  prevents  me  from  doing  so  personally. 
I  am  much  interested  in  its  contents,  and  think 

Sherjiin.  6 


82 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


it  should  excite  us  to  prayer  for  that  reviving 
influence  wMch  is  promised.  I  am  sometimes, 
disposed  to  be  much  discouraged,  that  no  more 
fruit  is  produced  in  my  class ;  but  God  invari- 
ably sends  me  some  cheering  news  to  disperse 
my  gloom,  and  stimulate  me  to  more  simplicity 
in  my  faith  and  dependence  on  him. 

"I  was  in  one  of  my  anxious  moods  yester- 
day, when  the  good  American,  Mr.  Dawes,  con- 
sented to  take  my  class :  he  inquired  how 
many  had  decided  for  Clurist ;  I  told  him  it 
was  my  distress  that  very  day  to  think  that 
scarcely  more  than  half  a  dozen  out  of  the 
thirty-eight  were  members  of  the  church.  My 
dear  husband  doubted  my  statement,  and  we 
began  to  reckon,  when  to  my  joy  I  found  that 
half  the  number  at  least  are  members,  and  all 
but  one  have  joined  since  they  entered  it.  This 
is  great  cause  for  gratitude ;  and  I  have  thought, 
if  we  imitated  the  apostle  in  forgetting  the 
things  which  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  to 
those  which  are  before,  how  much  wiser  we 
should  be ;  we  must  look  at  what  God  has 
done,  instead  of  looking  at  our  own  weakness, 
and  grumbling.    0,  what  an  honor  it  is  to  be 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  83 

permitted  to  tell  of  a  Saviour's  love ;  how 
.  much  more  to  have  that  love  in  our  own  hearts, 
where  enmity  once  reigned ;  and  then  to  have 
the  sanction  of  heaven  in  our  feeble  efforts,  by 
the  Spirit's  influences  accompanying  them  and 
rendering  them  successful;  this  is  happiness 
indeed.  "What  must  heaven  be,  where  we 
shall  see  Him  of  whom  we  loved  to  tell,  and 
where  none  but  happy  spirits  can  be  ?  May 
we  be  there,  and  be  permitted  to  have  a  long 
train  of  children  given  to  us,  and  cast  our 
crowns  at  the  feet  of  Him  '  who  hath  loved  us, 
and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood.' 
May  we  swell  the  full  choir  of  glorified  ones  in 
the  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb. 

"Ever  yours  in  the  best  bonds, 

"M.  SHERMAN." 

The  success  did  not,  however,  wholly  arise 
from  oral  instruction;  her  letters  were  also  a 
means  of  great  usefulness.  Most  of  these 
young  persons  had  mementos  of  her  care  for 
their  souls  in  her  own  handwriting,  and  in  not 
a  few  instances  their  decision  was  attributed  to 
these  utterances  of  her.  heart.  The  following 
specimens,  out  of  a  very  large  number,  will  be 


S4 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


read  with  great  interest.  The  first  is  to  a 
young  friend  who  had  previously  been  deprived 
of  her  mother  by  death,  and  had  now  lost  her 
eldest  sister. 

"  Clay  Hill,  Enfield,  October  25,  1839. 

"My  dear  young  Friend — The  intelligence 
of  your  dear  sister's  removal  did  not  reach  me 
till  half  an  hour  before  the  post  left  Enfield,  or 
I  should  have  written  a  few  lines  to  you  imme- 
diately, to  express  my  sympathy  with  you  in 
your  very  deep  affliction.  I  think  I  may  truly 
say,  I  sympathize  with  you ;  for  when  but  a 
few  years  older  than  yourself,  I  was  called  to 
part  with  an  only  sister — one  most  tenderly 
beloved,  and  for  whose  superior  piety  and  judg- 
ment I  had  the  greatest  reverence;  we  were 
indeed  like  Jonathan  and  David,  and  I  thought 
it  impossible  to  live  without  her.  I  can  there- 
fore feel  for  you,  my  beloved  young  friend,  in 
the  loss  of  her  who  in  some  degree  filled  the 
place  of  your  lamented  mother,  and  whose 
counsel  and  care  you  can  receive  no  more. 

"  But  this  is  the  dark  side  of  the  painful  dis- 
pensation: there  is  a  bright  and  glorious  side; 
and  happy  indeed  shall  I  be  if  we  can  sympa- 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNa.  85 

thize  with  eacli  other  there.  "When  my  own 
Mary  was  taken  from  me,  heaven,  as  the  dwell- 
ing-place of  God,  had  no  attractions  for  me; 
my  heart  was  unrenewed  and  unhumbled  for 
sin;  but  when  that  heaven  was  the  ahode  of 
her  happy  spirit,  my  thoughts  were  constantly 
there,  and  I  longed  to  be  with  her;  earth  had 
lost  its  great  attraction ;  nothing  could  fill  the 
dreadful  blank  which  her  removal  occasioned. 
It  pleased  God  at  last  to  convince  me  that  it 
was  sin  which  made  me  so  desolate,  and  that 
that  place  in  my  heart  he  could  more  than  fill : 
this  led  me  to  seek  that  pardon  which  alone 
could  unite  me  to  Jesus,  and  that  'holiness 
without  which  no  man  can  see  the  Lord;'  and 
my  earnest  prayer  was,  that  I  might  prove  my 
love  to  her,  not  by  fruitless  repining  at  my  loss, 
but  by  following  in  her  steps,  by  consecrating 
myself  wholly  to  the  service  of  Him  whom  she 
had  loved  and  humbly  sought  to  glorify. 

"I  would  not  thus  write  about  myself,  dear, 
but  to  direct  you  to  the  same  Source  of  com- 
fort. To  our  finite  minds  it  may  seem  myste- 
rious, that  one  so  beloved  and  useful  should  be 
Taken  from  us  in  early  youth;  but  remember 


86 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


how  little  we  know  what  God  designs  hy  his 
providences.  His  thoughts  are  not  our  thoughts, 
nor  his  ways  our  ways,  happily  for  us.  If  ever 
we  reach  yonder  happy  world,  we  shall  under- 
stand why  these  painful  dispensations  were  per- 
mitted ;  till  then,  ever  bear  in  mind  that  '  God 
is  love,'  not  only  when  he  grants  us  that  which 
delights  us,  but  when  he  sends  deep  afflic- 
tion, bereavement,  and  pain :  and  God  designs 
your  good  and  seeks  your  happiness  in  this 
trial;  do  not  lose  the  blessing.  There  is  one 
tie  less  to  earth.  Think  of  that  pure  world 
where  her  happy  spirit  is  now  rejoicing  in  her 
Saviour's  love:  that  Saviour's  precious  blood 
purchased  heaven  for  her,  and  that  blood  and 
that  heaven  he  offers  to  you. 

"Remember,  dear,  this  world  is  but  the 
passage  to  that  bright  world ;  keep  that  in 
sight,  and  beware  of  any  tiling  that  may  shade 
it  from  your  view :  sin  only  can  do  this — this 
separates  the  soul  from  God.  0,  never  rest, 
until  sin  is  pardoned  through  that  precious 
blood  which  cleanseth  from  all  sin,  and  that 
righteousness  which  justifies  the  'sinner  that 
believeth  in  Jesus.'    Pant  after  holiness,  that 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG. 


87 


you  may  be  fitted  for  that  world  where  '  noth- 
ing can  enter  that  defileth.'  Take  up  your 
cross,  and  follow  Jesus ;  be  satisfied  with  noth- 
ing short  of  the  entire  consecration  of  yourself 
to  Him  who  invited  you  to  come  unto  him, 
that  you  may  have  life.  Think  of  the  joy  that 
will  fill  heaven,  and  the  souls  of  your  dear 
sainted  mother  and  sister,  to  hear  the  tidings 

through  some  angelic  messenger,  that  A  

has  'chosen  that  good  part  that  shall  never  be 
taken  from  her.'  And  would  there  not  be  joy  on 
earth  too  ?  Think  of  the  tender  heart  of  your 
dear  bereaved  father ;  how  would  his  grief  be 
forgotten,  in  the  joy  of  witnessing  your  decision 
for  Christ.  And  would  not  my  heart  rejoice 
to  receive  the  sweet  answer  to  many  a  prayer, 
in  your  conversion  to  Jesus? 

"Be  much  in  prayer,  dear;  you  have  need 
of  much  wisdom  in  your  doubly  responsible 
situation;  seek  it  as  a  promised,  as  well  as  a 
desired  blessing,  and  never  lean  to  your  own 
understanding.  You  have  to  comfort  your 
beloved  father's  heart,  to  study  his  happiness 
to  strive  to  lessen  his  anxieties  in  every  way, 
and  as  far  as  possible  to  fill  the  places  of  those 


88 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


who  are  gone.  Let  love  be  your  motto  in 
every  thing;  strive  to  make  every  one  happier 
for  your  presence.  This  will  draw  your  mind 
away  from  your  individual  sorrow,  and  stimu- 
late you  to  extract  advantages  from  this  trial. 

"It  is  really  presumption  in  me  to  utter  a 
word  of  advice  to  one  so  highly  privileged  as 
you ;  hut  as  one  of  the  members  of  my  little 
humble  Bible-class,  I  feel  a  double  interest  in 
you,  and  my  heartfelt  prayer  for  you  has  long 
been,  that  you  might  'be  blessed  and  made  a 
blessing.'  Mamma  and  papa,  whom  you  know 
only  by  name,  desire  me  to  present  to  you  and 
your  dear  papa  their  kind  regards  and  .sympa- 
thy. Dear  Selina  feels  much  for  you,  and  were 
she  here  would  unite  in  affectionate  love  with, 
"My  dear  young  friend, 

"Yours  most  sincerely, 

'^M.  SHERMAN." 

The  following  extract  discovers  her  jealousy 
over  their  piety,  and  her  anxisty  that  it  should 
be  of  the  most  exalted  kind. 

"  Surrey  Parsonage,  October  4,  1839. 

"My  dear  young  Friend — I  often  look  at 
you  and  your  dear  sister  with  intense  interest, 


LABORS  FOR,  THE  YOUNG.  89 

and  long  to  know  your  progress  in  your  heav- 
enly way ;  for  the  truth  and  soundness  of  our 
profession  of  devotedness  to  Christ  are  tested 
by  our  growth  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Is  this 
the  case  with  my  dear  young  friend?  Is  your 
spirit  more  meek  and  humble,  and  self-deny- 
ing, and  Christ-like  ?  Are  you  habitually 
'  striving  against  sin  ?'  for  remember,  '  he  that 
is  born  of  God  cannot  sin :'  it  must  be  a 
sfjuggle,  therefore,  with  the  old  nature,  till  it 
is  entirely  brought  into  captivity,  even  every 
thought  to  the  obedience  of  Christ.  Do  you 
shrink  at  the  spirituality  and  extent  of  the  law 
of  God,  or  wish  it  less  strict,  and  that  it  would 
allow  more  conformity  to  the  world  ?  or  do  you 
say  with  David,  '  Oh,  how  love  I  thy  law ;  it 
is  my  meditation  all  the  day  V  How  impor- 
tant is  this  self-scrutiny :  if  we  deceive  our- 
selves in  the  affairs  of  the  soul,  the  delusion 
may  be  fatal.  If  we  are  'born  again,'  our  will 
agrees  with  the  will  of  God ;  what  he  com- 
mands, it  is  our  delight  to  fulfil :  let  us  ask 
ourselves.  Have  we  thus  the  spirit  of  Christ, 
without  which  we  are  none  of  his  ?    I  long  for 


90 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


all  the  dear  young  people  of  my  class  to  be 
patterns  of  holiness  and  devotedness ;  separated 
from  the  world  both  in  its  pleasures  and  spirit ; 
but  especially  for  those  who,  by  their  public 
profession  of  Christ,  have  the  eyes  of  the  world 
gazing  at  them,  and  have  the  vows  of  Grod 
upon  them.  Be  much  in  prayer,  in  communion 
with  God  and  your  own  heart,  and  in  the 
prayerful  study  of  your  Bible,  and  make  Christ 
your  model  for  imitation,  and  you  will  '  grow 
in  grace.'  Pardon  these  few  hasty  thoughts 
from  the  heart  of,  my  dear  young  friend, 
"Yours  most  sincerely  and  affectionately, 
"MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

The  next  is  to  one  who  had  expressed  her 
wish  to  become  a  teacher  in  the  Surrey  chapel 
Sunday-schools. 

"  Surrey  Parsonage,  May  8,  1841. 

"My  dear  young  Friend — I  saw  Mr.  H  

yesterday,  and  named  your  wish  to  become  a 
teacher ;  he  says  at  present  he  has  not  a  va- 
cancy for  a  junior  teacher,  but  he  will  remem- 
ber you  as  a  candidate ;  this  will  prevent  the 
necessity  of  your  leaving  the  class  on  Sunday. 
Should  we  be  spared  to  the  day  when  the  priv- 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNa.  91 

ilege  of  Sunday-school  teaching  shall  be  yours, 
I  may  probably  be  able  to  receive  you  into  the 
other  class ;  at  present,  you  had  better  remain 
as  you  are.  But  though  this  means  of  useful- 
ness is  for  a  time  postponed,  I  hope  it  will  not 
prevent  your  usefulness  in  some  other  way. 
We  are  born  to  be  useful.  God  is  always  dis- 
pensing happiness  around  this  great  universe 
which  he  has  created ;  and  as  man  was 
created  in  the  divine  likeness,  he  is  to  do  like- 
wise. The  eflfect  of  sin  is  to  destroy  God's 
image  in  the  soul,  and  consequently  its  use- 
fulness :  when,  by  the  work  of  redemption  by 
Christ,  and  the  regenerating  influence  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  that  image  begins  to  be  restored, 
then  we  begin  to  be  useful,  and  to  seek  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  promotion  of  his  cause, 
as  our  chief  delight.  Be  sure,  my  dear  child, 
that  this  work  of  the  Spirit  is  wrought  in  you. 
Do  not  mistake  a  preference  for  good  things, 
for  conversion  to  God ;  education  may  effect 
the  one,  but  the  Spirit  of  God  must  perform 
the  other.  Seek  that  this  Spirit  may  be  abun- 
dantly bestowed  on  you,  and  improve  the  in- 
terval before  you  join  the  church  of  Christ  in 


92 


MARTHA  S-HERMAN. 


self-examination — whether  your  character  will 
bear  the  scriptural  test — and  in  seeking  to 
know  more  of  Christ  and  his  salvation ;  strive 
to  prepare  yourself,  by  the  prayerful  and  dili- 
gent study  of  your  Bible,  to  become  a  valuable 
Sabbath-school  teacher.  May  God  sweetly 
encourage  and  sanctify  you,  is  the  earnest 
prayer  of 

"Your  very  sincere  friend, 

"MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

A  young  lady  had  left  her  class  for  a  situa- 
tion in  a  school  in  the  country ;  but  distance 
or  separation  did  not  diminish  the  interest  her 
teacher  felt  in  her  decision  for  Christ,  as  the 
following  precious  epistle  to  her  will  declare. 

"Clay  Hill,  Enfield,  July  1,  1841. 

"My  dear  young  Frienj) — I  have  often  had 
you  in  my  thoughts  since  you  left  London,  and 
have  very  often  wished  to  write  to  you,  to 
prove  that  I  still  feel  a  deep  interest  in  you, 
and  by  no  means  less  so  now  that  you  are  out 
of  sight.  We  are  very  apt  to  be  too  dependent 
on  our  senses,  and  to  forget  that  which  is  un- 
associated  with  them.  What  we  seldom  hear, 
the  friends  we  seldom  see,  and  the  sweets  we 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  93 

seldom  taste,  are  easily  forgotten,  unless  there 
be  something  more  than  usually  interesting  in 
them  in  our  estimation.  This  is  the  reason 
that  you,  dear,  whom  I  have  not  seen  for  some 
months,  and  whom  I  have  seldom  talked  with 
at  all,  are  yet  remembered  by  me  with  deep 
interest.  I  feel  that  you  have  a  precious  soul, 
capable  of  enjoying  God,  and  powers  of  mind 
for  which  you  are  responsible ;  they  were  creat- 
ed for  God's  glory,  and  when  sin  directed  them 
to  dishonor  and  displease  him,  he  gave  up 
his  well-beloved  Son  to  be  your  substitute, 
that  a  way  might  be  opened  for  your  restora- 
tion to  the  divine  favor,  by  his  obedience  and 
atonement;  and  to  the  divine  likeness,  by  the 
purchase  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  sanctify  your 
soul.  I  believe  you  often  desire  that  the  bless- 
ings which  Jesus  has  thus  procured  for  those 
who  will  receive  them,  were  yours ;  but  I  want 
you  to  come  to  a  point,  and  resolve  that  you 
will  not  rest  until  you  are  a  child  of  God. 

"If  there  could  be  a  middle  state,  in  which 
you  might  be  safe,  still,  I  could  not  be  happy 
for  you  to  remain  there.  I  want  you  to  share 
the  very  highest  enjoyments  of  heaven,  to  be 


94 


MAE-IHA  SHERMAN. 


one  of  the  brightest  stars  in  glory,  and  to  have 
an  abundant  entrance  ministered  to  you  into 
the  everlasting  kingdom  of  Christ ;  and  I  could 
never  be  contented  for  any  one  just  to  enter 
heaven,  just  to  be  safe  from  hell :  but  if  you 
are  not  the  friend  of  God,  you  are  his  enemy; 
if  you  are  not  his  child,  you  are  Satan's.  It 
seems  very  difficult  to  believe  that  an  amiable 
character  can  be  the  enemy  of  any,  but  espe- 
cially of  God  :  but  Christ  himself  says,  '  He 
that  is  not  with  me  is  against  me.'  So  if  you 
are  wavering  and  undecided  for  him,  you  are 
among  his  enemies.  Awful  thought!  My  be- 
loved child,  do  not  hesitate  another  moment, 
but,  in  the  retirement  of  your  closet,  seek  that 
grace  which  shall  enable  you  to  give  up  your 
whole  heart  to  Christ,  and  resolve  in  his  strength 
that  you  will  be  his  obedient  child ;  that  you 
will  rest  your  whole  salvation  on  his  merits 
alone,  and  strive  to  be  what  he  would  have 
you.  Let  the  desire  to  please  him  be  your 
ruling  motive  in  every  thought,  word,  and  deed. 
In  all  your  studies,  pursue  them  with  the  view 
to  have  them  make  you  a  more  valuable  ser- 
vant of  Christ ;  and  to  fit  you  to  dwell  with 


LABORS  FOR.  THE  ^OUNG.  95 

him  in  glory,  and  to  enable  you  to  bring  others 
to  glory.  Make  the  Bible  your  constant,  pray- 
erful study  ;  let  it  bo  '  hid '  in  your  heart,  that 
you  '  sin  not  against '  Him ;  and  when  tempted 
to  sin,  remember  that  you  will  grieve  his  Holy 
Spirit  if  you  do,  and  most  ungratefully  requite 
his  boundless  love  to  you. 

"Oh,  my  dear  child,  if  we  could  view  our 
hearts  as  Grod  sees  them,  how  should  we  loathe 
ourselves,  and  blush  that  he  should  behold  in 
us  such  deformity ;  but  it  is  only  when  we  see, 
by  faith,  the  agonies  which  the  Son  of  God  has 
endured  for  us,  to  procure  our  deliverance  from 
the  curse  and  power  and  love  of  sin,  that  we 
are  led  to  mourn  over  it  as  that  abominable 
thing  which  God  hates,  and  to  repent  in  tears 
of  bitter  sorrow  ;  this  the  Spirit  of  God  alone 
can  show  us.  For  this  Spirit  pray  continually, 
until  the  promise  is  fulfilled,  and  you  are  made 
indeed  a  child  of  God ;  and,  if  spared  to  re- 
turn to  school,  try  to  be  a  little  missionary 
there,  and  to  increase  the  number  of  those 
happy  beings  who  choose  the  pleasant  path  of 
wisdom.  '  Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness, 
and  all  her  paths  are  peace.'    Every  eflbrt  for 


96 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


the  good  of  others  wiH  bring  blessuigs  to  your- 
self. Be  much  in  prayer,  and  do  not  yield  to 
the  difficulties  which  school  may  present. 
Keep  in  mind  the  privilege  as  well  as  the  ne- 
cessity of  prayer,  and  try  to  persuade  your 
companions  to  the  exercise ;  so  you  will  he 
aiding  to  bring  the  answer  to  your  own  pe- 
tition, 'Thy  kingdom  come.'  AVe  must  all 
unite  our  energies  to  make  others  happy,  and 
happiness  is  found  only  in  obedience  to  the 
happy  commands  of  our  Father  in  heaven. 
Give  joy  in  heaven  and  on  earth,  by  the  con- 
secration of  yourself  wholly  to  his  service,  and 
beheve  me, 

"Your  very  sincere  and  affectionate  friend, 
"MARTHA  SHERMAN.-' 

Sometimes,  to  display  God's  sovereignty  and 
grace,  one  is  selected  and  brought  to  himself 
from  a  family  wholly  consisting  of  worldly 
minds,  who  discourage,  if  they  do  not  persecute 
and  oppose.  Her  judicious  advice  to  one  of 
the  class  in  such  circumstances,  will  commend 
itself  to  every  pious  mind,  and  is  worthy  of 
special  attention  from  all  who  are  simil^ly 
placed. 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  97 

"July,  1841. 

"My  dear  young  Friend — My  time  has 
been  much  engaged  since  I  have  been  here,  or 
I  should  have  written  a  few  lines  to  you  before 
this ;  but  I  have  not  forgotten  you ;  indeed, 
you  have  been  much  in  my  thoughts.  It  is 
very  difficult  to  exhibit  the  Christian  character 
in  any  situation,  surrounded  and  beset  with 
snares  as  we  are,  from  evil  hearts  of  sin  and 
unbelief  within,  and  the  world  and  Satan  with- 
out, even  when  all  around  us  delight  in  our 
decision  for  Christ.  But  what  must  it  be  to 
maintain  it  amidst  opposition  and  ridicule ; 
and  what  must  be  the  anguish  of  that  mind 
which  witnesses  opposition  in  hearts  most  ten- 
derly beloved,  and  from  which  it  feels  there 
must  be  eternal  separation  unless  a  miracle  of 
grace  interfere  ?  I  deeply  feel  for  you  on  this 
account :  but  He  who  placed  you  as  a  solitary 
Christian  in  your  family,  knows  what  a  large 
measure  of  grace  you  need  ;  his  strength  is 
perfected  in  weakness,  and  he  can  make  all 
grace  to  abound  towards  you.  Your  situation 
is  one  that  demands  much  watchfulness  and 
prayer  ;  your  eminent  consistency  of  Christian 

Sherman.  7 


98 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


character  will  do  far  more  to  convince  the  gain- 
sayers  than  a  thousand  exhortations  ;  not  that 
I  would  advise  you  to  neglect  to  warn  them, 
for  they  can  scarcely  believe  you  think  them 
in  danger  of  eternal  misery  if  you  make  no  vis- 
isible  effort  to  save  them.  But  the  judicious 
prayerful  effort  of  a  Christian,  whose  charac- 
ter stands  out  from  those  around  her  for  purity 
and  benevolence  of  principle,  and  self-denial  for 
the  glory  of  Grod  and  the  good  of  others,  can 
scarcely  fail  of  removing  prejudice  and  produc- 
ing a  feeling  in  favor  of  religion  itself;  which 
is  at  least  one  impediment  removed,  and  so  far 
a  preparation  for  their  receiving  the  gospel. 

"I  am  always  more  anxious  for  the  develop- 
ment of  eminent  piety  in  those  who  are  situat- 
ed as  you  are,  than  in  others,  on  this  account ; 
though  I  feel  assured  that  what  we  call  emi- 
nent piety  is  only  what  piety  ought  in  every 
instance  to  be,  and  I  strongly  question  the  gen- 
uineness of  that  piety  which  is  satisfied  with 
any  thing  short  of  the  perfect  likeness  of  Christ. 
Though  we  know  we  shall  never  be  without 
sin,  and  consequently  never  perfectly  like  Christ 
until  we  reach  heaven — where  indeed  we  shall 


LABORS  FOE,  THE  YOUNa.  99 

be  like  him,  'for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is' — 
yet  our  aim  must  be  there;  we  must  have 
some  pattern  for  imitation,  and  none  but  a  per- 
fect one  will  avail.  The  most  exalted  Christian 
is  defiled  with  sin,  even  in  his  best  estate; 
therefore  he  will  not  do  for  a  pattern :  no,  we 
must  press  towards  the  mark,  and  lay  aside 
every  impediment  to  our  progress,  '  looking  un- 
to Jesus.'  Keep  your  eye  there,  my  dear  friend, 
and  never  submit  to  lower  motives  or  prin- 
ciples than  those  which  actuated  the  Son  ol 
God.  There  is  much  to  chill  and  damp  yoUr 
piety  and  zeal,  when  none  sympathize  with 
you ;  but  let  this  drive  you  nearer  to  the  Sun 
of  righteousness,  to  gather  faith  and  love  and 
vigor  and  every  needed  grace  from  the  rich 
treasury  which  he  has  provided  for  all  who 
apply  to  him.  It  is  in  this  way  trials  prove 
blessings,  by  driving  us  to  Christ.  When  the 
creature-stream  fails,  we  are  driven  to  the 
Fountain,  which  can  never  be  exhausted.  Keep 
close  there,  make  your  Bible  your  constant, 
prayerful  study.  Seek  to  have  your  views  of 
the  truth  and  of  the  plan  of  salvation  very  clear ; 
frequently  study  the  grand  doctrines  of  the 


100 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


gospel,  and  do  not  depend  on  the  knowledge 
you  have  of  them :  an  error  here  would  be  fa- 
tal, as  on  incorrect  views  inconsistent  conduct 
is  continually  based. 

"  There  must  be  growth  'in  the  knowledge 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,'  as  well  as  '  in  grace,' 
and  let  that  knowledge  be  drawn  immediately 
from  the  well-spring,  the  Bible.  Search  every 
word,  with  prayer  for  that  Spirit  which  alone 
can  truly  enlighten,  and  '  let  your  light  so  shine 
before  men  that  they  may  see  your  good  works, 
and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven.' 
Give  God  no  rest,  until  every  member  of  your 
family  is  converted  to  Christ.  Why  were  you 
selected  to  be  a  recipient  of  his  grace  ?  Not 
for  your  own  merits:  then  it  must  be  of  his 
free  and  sovereign  grace,  and  you  are  bound  to 
communicate  to  others  what  has  been  so  freely 
granted  to  you.  Home  is  your  little  garden, 
which  you  must  diligently  cultivate ;  you  must 
seek  to  remove  all  the  stones  which  would 
check  the  progress  of  vegetation,  all  the  im- 
pediments to  the  existence  of  piety :  perhaps 
there  may  be,  besides  those  in  the  heart,  many 
which  are  outward  in  family  arrangements, 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  101 

which  your  influence  may  be  able  to  remove. 
If  your  piety  is  that  which  they  cannot  but 
approve,  you  have  more  influence  on  that  ac- 
count, and  your  wishes  would  probably  be  law 
to  them.  This  is  only  the  first  step  in  the  culti- 
vation of  your  garden ;  you  have  to  dig,  to 
sow,  to  plant,  to  water,  and  to  do  every  thing 
which  the  gardener  who  cares  for  his  garden 
will  attempt.  And  0,  what  weeds  you  have 
to  destroy!  Seek,  my  dear  friend,  that  the 
moral  desert  around  you  may  become  as  'the 
garden  of  the  Lord,  that  he  may  be  glorified.' 
I  should  be  very  glad  to  hear  from  you. 
"  Believe  me,  your  very  sincere, 

"And  affectionate  friend, 

"MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

The  inconsiderateness  of  friends,  both  young 
and  old,  requesting  those  filling  important  sta- 
tions, and  whose  time  is  much  occupied  with 
paramount  duties,  to  write  to  them  at  special 
seasons  of  their  history,  is  judiciously  -treated 
and  improved  in  the  following  extract: 

"SuEREY  Parsonage,  August  10,  1841. 

"My  dear  Friend — I  cannot  refuse  youi 
request  to  give  you  a  line  of  remembrance  on, 


102 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


not  your  birthday,  but  the  day  after.  My 
dear  friend  must  remember  that  such  a  step  is 
a  precedent  which  might  occasion  not  a  little 
difficulty.  Many  young  friends  ask  for  a  letter 
on  their  birthday,  and  if  I  could  transmit  my 
wishes  to  paper  by  a  magic  touch,  I  would 
never  refuse ;  but  if  one  has  her  request  grant- 
ed, all  have  a  claim ;  and  then,  tell  me,  how 
can  I  meet  such  a  demand  from  so  many  kind 
hearts,  however  quickly  I  may  scrawl :  for  the 
quantity  of  writing  which  is  unavoidable  takes 
up  so  much  time,  that,  contrary  to  my  ap- 
proval, I  am  obliged  to  scrawl.  The  time 
which  such  an  additional  correspondence  would 
occupy,  would  require  the  neglect  of  many 
important  duties;  therefor'i,  I  write  not  on 
your  birthday,  that  the  circumstance  of  writ- 
ing to  you  may  not  be  used  as  an  argument 
with  others. 

"But  why  does  my  dear  friend  ask  me  to 
write  to  her  ?  You  have  not  to  be  urged  to 
decision  on  the  return  of  the  day  which  leads 
most  young  people  to  think  a  little  seriously. 
Your  heart  was  surrendered  to  Him  who  claims 
it,  years  before  mine,  and  your  Christian  prog- 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNa  103 

ress  must,  therefore,  have  so  far  outstripped 
mine,  that  I  am  too  distant  from  you  to  urge 
you  onward ;  unless,  as  you  run  your  race,  you 
occasionally  look  back  in  humility  and  self- 
abasement  at  the  path  you  have  trodden,  and 
mark  the  zigzag  footmarks  which  tell  you 
how  often  you  would  have  gone  aside,  but  for 
Him  who  directed  and  upheld  you:  and  while 
thus  reviewing  the  past,  you  hear  a  voice  cry- 
ing to  you,  'Go  forward;'  'Press  toward  the 
mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God 
in  Christ  Jesus.'  'Lay  aside  every  weight, 
and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset  you, 
and  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  be 
fore  you,  looking  unto  Jesus.'  Though  far  be- 
hind you,  my  cry  for  myself  and  for  others  is, 
'  Lord,  urge  us  on ;'  and  perhaps  you  may  over- 
hear that  cry. 

"These  are  days  which  call  for  more  than 
ordinary  devotedness  to  Christ.  The  day  is 
hastening  when  the  Christian  is  to  be  sifted, 
and  'he  that  endureth  to  the  end  shall  be 
saved.'  That  day  will  probably  introduce  the 
millennial  glory,  for  which  we  must  all  labor ; 
when  every  heart  shall  yield  to  '  Him  whose 


104 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


right  it  is  to  reign.'  Then  the  despised,  rejected 
Jew  shall  be  '  hronght  in  with  the  fulness  of 
the  Gentiles,'  and  the  blessing,  according  to 
His  promise,  be  given  to  him  that  favors  his 
Israel:  'Blessed  is  he  that  blesseth  thee.'  If 
God  still  loves  his  ancient  people,  shall  we  not 
love  them  too,  and  strive  after  the  time  when 
the  curse  shall  be  removed,  and  '  Israel  shall 
turn  to  the  Lord  ?'  My  heart  is  ill  at  ease  on 
their  account.  I  think  I  can  respond  to  the 
apostle's  language,  'My  heart's  desire  and 
prayer  for  Israel  is,  that  they  might  be  saved.' 
How  glorious  shall  that  day  be,  when  the  veil 
shall  be  taken  away,  and  thousands  be  born 
unto  God.  May  I  urge  you  to  more  persever- 
ing prayer  on  their  behalf :  you  will  reap  the 
benefit  as  well  as  they.  My  heart  rejoices  in 
your  usefulness,  my  dear  friend ;  and  I  pray 
that  you  '  may  abound  therein  more  and  more.' 
May  your  birthdays  be  many,  many  times 
renewed,  and  each  one  witness  increasing  de- 
votedness  to  our  blessed  Redeemer,  and  more 
of  his  likeness  too — more  humility  and  spirit- 
uality of  mind,  with  more  entire  consecration 
to  his  service. 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  105 

"Forgive  this  hurried,  ill- written  epistle, 
which  bears  with  it,  though  unexpressed,  the 
fondest  wishes  of, 
"My  dear  friend, 

"Yours  very  affectionately, 

MARTHA  SHERMAN.-' 

It  was  very  difficult  to  persuade  her  at  any 
time  that  her  labors  had  been  useful,  or  could 
produce  fruit  to  God  ;  but  when  the  evidence 
was  complete  and  irresistible,  her  heart  over- 
flowed with  angelic  joy.  To  one  of  her  class 
she  thus  utters  it,  and  shows  that  "we  do  not 
answer  the  end  of  our  existence,  if  our  object 
and  effort  be  not  to  save  and  bless  our  race. 

"Clay  Hill,  Enfield,  June  10,  1841. 

"My  very  dear  Friend — If  my  inclinations 
were  the  guide  of  my  conduct,  how'  different 
would  that  conduct  be  from  what  it  is.  In 
some  things,  I  fear,  they  would  lead  me  to 
much  evil,  though  with  an  intention  to  do 
good ;  and  in  others,  much  benefit  might  result, 
and  much  pleasure  be  communicated  by  in- 
clination having  its  way.  My  inclination  told 
me  to  write  to  you  as  soon  as  I  reached  En- 
field, and  its  sweet  retirement;  but  my  time 


106 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


is  scarcely  at  my  own  disposal,  and  I  feel  that 
I  must  snatch-  opportunities  like  my  sweet 
friend.  Stolen  moments  often  afford  us  the 
richest  enjoyments,  and  we  appreciate  most 
that  which  has  cost  us  some  little  difficulty  to 
obtain,  or  to  accomplish;  and  I  do  not  think 
you  will  spurn  the  broken,  unconnected  effusion 
of  a  heart  that  dearly  loves  you,  because  it 
does  not  bear  the  marks  of  study  and  arrange- 
ment. Friendship  prizes  intentions,  and  Chris- 
tian friendship  never  suspects :  and  I  trust  there 
is  a  sacred  bond  uniting  our  hearts  to  each 
other,  though  our  mutual  circumstances  pre- 
vent much  exhibition  of  it.  The  love  which 
springs  from  the  cross  unites  every  heart  that 
has  laid  its  burden  beneath  it ;  the  blood- 
sprinkled  soul  recognizes  its  fellow,  and  even 
Christian  sympathy  must  unite  them ;  but  there 
is  a  still  sweeter  endearment  when  minds 
have  been  associated  as  ours :  you,  as  a  lamb 
in  the  flock  over  which  my  dear  husband  is 
the  under-shepherd,  and  both  of  us  as  mingling 
our  efforts  to  understand  the  sacred  page. 

"What  joy  and  gratitude  did  you  excite  in 
my  oft-discouraged  heart,  by  telling  me  that 


LABORS  FOR  THE  yOUNCf.  107 

my  humble  efforts  had  in  any  degree  assisted 
you  with  your  charge.  How  often  does  God 
'lead  the  blind  by  a  way  they  know  not.'  I 
have  ever  felt  that  if  good  in  any  form  arose 
from  these  feeble  attempts,  the  praise  must  be 
entirely  His,  whose  blessing  can  give  efficacy 
t9  the  weakest  instrumentality.  The  anxiety 
I  have  endured  is  amply  repaid,  if  you  are 
assisted  in  your  explanation  of  the  sacred 
volume,  and  I  tru.st  I  shall  'go  forward'  with 
more  simplicity  of  faith  and  dependence  on 
that  influence  which  must  follow  as  well  as 
dictate  these  exercises.  It  may  be  that  a  soul 
may  be  saved  one  day  by  this  instrumentality. 
I  feel  increasingly  that  we  live  only  as  we 
answer  the 'design  for  which  'man  became  a 
living  soul.'  '  I  have  created  him  for  my  glory ;' 
and  if  the  end  we  have  in  view,  and  the  ob- 
jects we  pursue  are  beneath  this,  we  do  not 
answer  the  end  of  our  being — we  had  bettef 
never  have  been  born.  The  soul  was  formed 
with  the  capability  to  enjoy  Grod,  and  to  glorify 
him ;  and  though  it  has  sunk  deep  and  low 
in  degradation  from  its  noble  original,  yet  so 
much  remains  that  the  soul  refuses  satisfaction 


108 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


with  any  thing  but  himself.  At  first  it  seeks 
it  everywhere  rather  than  there ;  but  when 
drawn  there  by  the  attractions  of  the  cross, 
0,  how  full  its  satisfaction,  how  firm  its 
ground  of  hope  and  rejoicing.  And  when  the 
love  of  Christ  has  drawn  us  to  himself,  what 
is  so  sweet  and  so  binding  on  us,  as  to  draw 
other  minds  to  the  right  source  of  enjoyment, 
peace  with  God  and  reconciliation  to  him 
'through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.' 

"While  I  miss  you  much,  I  cannot  but  re- 
joice in  the  double  privileges  you  enjoy,  of- 
continually  advancing  in  mental  cultivation 
and  spiritual  knowledge  under  the  instrumen- 
tality of  your  invaluable  friend,  and  of  im- 
parting as  continually  to  others,  that  you  may 
win  and  direct  them  to  Jesus.  How  prone  the 
mind  is  to  depend  on  its  privileges,  and  how 
God  sometimes  deprives  us  of  them  for  a  sea- 
son, to  bring  us  back  to  dependence  upon  him. 
We  do  not  need  prayer  less  because  of  our 
augmented  privileges,  but  far  more ;  responsi- 
bility increases  with  every  such  additional  fa- 
vor, and  how  can  we  meet  that  in  our  own 
strength  ?    No,  our  necessities  must  always  be 


LABORS  FOR  THE  YOUNG.  109  " 

supplied  from  his  fulness,  and  our  opportuni- 
ties profit  us  only  as  they  draw  us  nearer  to 
him.  So  may  you,  dear,  find  it,  and  as  you 
receive,  put  out  to  interest;  let  every  fresh  tal- 
ent yield  another  at  least;  as  you  learn,  apply 
and  practice ;  this  will  be  the  best  proof  of 
gratitude  to  your  instructor,  and  to  Him  who 
gave  him  to  you.  We  are  bound  for  heaven, 
and  we  must  take  with  us  every  creature  whom 
we  can  reach,  nor  must  we  rest  while  one  to 
whom  our  influence  extends  is  bound  to  a 
different  clime.  May  the  thought  of  the  value 
of  an  immortal  soul,  and  the  shortness  of  time, 
stimulate  us  to  watchfulness  and  prayer,  that  ' 
we  may  leave  no  effort  untried  to  win  sinners 
to  Christ ;  may  we  be  so  sanctified  by  the  in- 
dwelling of  the  Spirit  of  God,  that  no  stum- 
bling-block may  exist  in  us ;  but  may  our 
Christian  character  be  so  eminently  like  Christ, 
that  we  may  glorify  and  exalt  Him  who  made 
us  and  remoulded  us  after  that  likeness. 

"  I  love  appointments  at  the  throne  of  gi'ace; 
half  past  eight  is  my  time  for  evening  retire- 
ment when  here,  and  when  evening  engage- 
ments do  not  interpose,  at  Surrey  too.  Often 


110 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


there,  however,  I  am  compelled  to  defer  the 
sacred  hour  of  devotion  till  after  supper;  but 
it  is  alw^ays  painful  to  me.  I  hope,  however, 
to  meet  my  dear  friend  in  spirit  then,  where 
we  may  pour  out  our  souls  before  Him ;  and 
where  our  poor  prayers  may  find  acceptance 
through  the  merits  of  our  great  Intercessor, 
who  'ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us.' 
We  are  expelled  from  Surrey  for  a  season,  and 
have  found  a  very  agreeable  dwelling  at  Clay 
Hill ;  but  I  feel  out  of  my  element,  and  long 
to  return.  I  trust  the  retirement  of  this  sweet 
place  will  be  beneficial  both  to  my  dearest 
husband  and  myself.  Pray  much  for  us,  dear, 
that  the  beloved  flock  may  be  benefited  by  our 
tarrying  here.  I  have  a  little  oratory  in  the 
garden,  to  which  1  love  to  retire  :  there  I  find 
a  mercy-seat ;  and  it  is  sweet  to  '  come  bold- 
ly,' there.  I  hope  every  cloud  has  long  since 
been  dispersed  from  your  mind,  and  that  your 
faith  can  cleave  to  Christ. 

"  Believe  me,  my  sweet  friend, 

"Ever^ours  most  afiectionately, 

"MARTHA  SHERMAN." 


MATERNAL  ASSOCIATIONS. 


Ill 


CHAPTER  V. 

FORMATION  OF  MATERNAL  ASSOCIATIONS- 
JOURNEY  ON  THE  CONTINENT. 

Simultaneously  with  the  formation  of  her 
Sabbath-class,  Mrs.  Sherman  commenced  a 
maternal  association,  composed  of  mothers 
whose  education,  piety,  and  station,  gave  them 
influence  in  the  church  and  congregation.  In 
June,  1838,  she  became  a  mother.  Besides 
those  to  whom  she  had  so  faithfully  and  loving- 
ly sustained  the  maternal  relation,  she  had  now 
a  child  of  her  own,  and  with  it  all  those  pecul- 
iar feelings  and  caves  which  an  infant  brings ; 
and  if  maternal  associations  appeared  to  have 
great  advantages  before,  these  would  not  be 
lessened  when  she  could  present  among  her 
coadjutors  her  own  offspring,  as  an  offering  to 
the  Lord. 

The  following  letter,  one  out  of  many  which 
she  wrote  at  the  same  time,  will  exhibit  the 
intense  anxiety  Mrs.  Sherman  felt,  that  all  the 


112 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


mothers  in  the  church,  especially  such  as  had 
influence,  should  in  their  meetings  strive  to- 
gether for  those  spiritual  blessings,  and  that 
domestic  bliss,  which  would  make  their  fami- 
lies the  garden  of  the  Lord. 

'■Surrey  Parsonage,  September  23,  1838. 
"My DEAR  Friend — As  I  find  our  secretary, 
Mrs.  Field,  will  not  have  returned  by  Monday, 
I  think  it  will  be  better  to  defer  the  anticipated 
prayer-meeting  until  after  our  maternal  asso- 
ciation. My  heart  is  much  cast  down,  to  see 
the  want  of  interest  generally  in  our  little  meet- 
ing. If  we  desire  our  families  to  grow  up  to 
labor  for  Christ,  we  must  avail  ourselves  of 
every  means  to  secure  the  blessing  while  they 
are  young ;  and  while  I  supremely  desire  to 
see  multitudes  of  those  dear  laborers  teeming 
forth  from  the  numerous  families  attending 
Surrey,  I  can  scarcely  expect  the  blessing, 
while  so  little  concern  is  manifested  for  an  as- 
sociation which  has  this  special  object  in  view. 
"Will  my  dear  friend  aid  me  by  her  special  re- 
membrance of  it  in  her  closet,  and  by  striving 
to  bring  mothers  to  the  meeting.  "We  must 
not  remain  in  our  present  lifeless  state ;  there 


MATERNAL  ASSOCIATIONS. 


113 


must  be  a  revival,  and  I  look  to  the  very  few 
■  who  really  feel  the  importance  of  these  meet- 
ings, to  seek  it  from  His  influence,  which  first 
'moved  on  the  face  of  the  waters,'  and  brought 
light  out  of  darkness.  If  the  majority  of  mothers 
in  the  congregation  think  lightly  of  combined 
prayer,  let  us  seek  the  blessing  for  them,  nor 
rest  till  every  family  among  us  is  consecrated 
to  the  work  of  the  Lord,  and  rising  up  to  fill 
our  places  in  the  church.  I  must  see  them 
thus  consecrated,  and  therefore  would  implore 
that  this  blessing  may  be  sought  for  all,  by  the 
praying  few.  Try  to  induce  those  to  attend 
over  whom  you  have  any  influence,  and  you 
may  be  thus  bringing  blessings  on  many,  and 
glorifying  your  heavenly  Father,  while  you  re- 
joice the  heart  of 

"Your  aflfectionate  friend, 

MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

The  difficulties,  however,  did  not  end  in  pro- 
curing the  attendance  of  the  mothers,  for  when 
they  came,  only  a  few  could  be  prevailed  upon 
to  take  part  in  the  devotional  exercises  or  con- 
versation ;  and  thus  the  chief  burden  was  often 
thrown  on  the  mind  of  the  president,  already 


114 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


too  hea\dly  pressed  with  anxiety  for  their  wel- 
fare.   Let  her  speak  for  herself. 

"July  14,  1840. 

"My  very  dear  Friend —  The  ad- 
dress to  children,  whicli  Mr.  Sherman  delivered 
this  morning,  from  Luke  2  :  51,  was  very  simple 
and  practical.  May  a  blessing  indeed  be  given. 
Our  last  maternal  meeting  disappointed  me,  as 
it  was  a  subject  requiring  conversation ;  few 
works  appear  to  me  to  touch  that  very  impor- 
tant and  common  sin,  equivocation  ;  the  ladies 
who  usually  speak — but  few,  alas — were  ab- 
sent from  London ;  and,  with  immense  per- 
suasion, Mrs.             concluded,  by  presenting 

our  case  to  God.  "When  I  commenced  in  prayer, 
I  was  so  excited  by  the  prospect  of  no  assist- 
ance, that  it  was  a  very  distressing  effort  to 
myself,  and  must  have  been  very  unprofitable 

to  others.    However,  Mrs.  engaged  with 

so  much  propriety,  that  I  hope  I  was  forgotten, 
though  I  trust  the  few  blessings  I  sought  were 
not.  I  deeply  lament  the  prevailing  deficiency 
among  us,  and  I  really  feel  surprised  that  per- 
sons so  capable  as  Mrs.  ,  of  whom  there 

are,  I  doubt  not,  many,  do  not  see  it  a  duty  to 


MATERNAL  ASSOCIATIONS.  115 

help  me  in  this  important  engagement  I  feel 
assured  that  this  gift  is  not  mine ;  but  I  think 
myself  extremely  culpable,  that  in  the  situa- 
tion I  occupy  I  do  not  try  my  best  cheerfully, 
for  example's  sake.  Ah,  when  the  love  of 
Christ,  and  the  glory  and  honor  of  God,  shall 
fill  the  soul,  it  will  not  be  thus ;  and  I  am 
looking  for  this  sweet  evidence  of  growth  in 
grace  in  myself,  that  whatever  God  brings  be- 
fore me  as  a  duty  I  shall  undertake  unhesi- 
tatingly, in  dependence  upon,  and  confident 
expectation  of,  his  promised  assistance.  Some- 
times I  can  do  so ;  still,  nothing  but  an  ha 
bitual  acting  of  obedience  to  the  first  indication 
of  my  Father's  will,  can  satisfy  me. 

"  How  delightful  it  is  to  anticipate  a  state 
of  perfect  holiness,  when,  like  the  angel  flying 
with  the  everlasting  gospel,  we  too  shall  haste 
to  fulfil  his  sweet  commands.  I  never  muse 
on  the  happy  spirits  in  heaven,  winging  their 
way  on  various  commissions,  without  panting 
almost  for  emancipation  from  the  fetters  of 
clay,  and  their  attendant  sin,  and  thinking  when 
these  are  removed,  I  will  try  to  exceed  them  in 
swiftness  and  in  love.    In  the  latter,  surely 


116 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


the  redeemed  spirit  must  exceed  ;  angels  know 
comparatively  little  of  the  deht  of  love  to  Jesus. 
He  preserved  them  in  holiness ;  but  to  have  lost 
holiness,  heaven,  and  happiness,  and  to  have 
them  restored !  how  overpowering  to  think  of  it! 
But  I  must  not  trust  myself  on  so  dear  a  theme : 
we  are  one  in  heart  here ;  may  we  be  one  with 
Christ  and  each  other  in  yon  bright  world. 
"  Believe  me,  my  very  dear  friend, 
"Your  ever  affectionate  and  obliged  friend, 
^  "MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

Mothers  who  have  to  gain  their  bread  by 
labor,  whose  education  has  been  deficient,  or 
who  have  not  been  accustomed  to  attend  wor- 
ship, are  a  class  which  should  excite  our  live- 
liest sympathy.  The  chief  difficulty  consists 
in  getting'them  to  take  sufficient  interest  in  a 
meeting  where  nothing  but  their  moral  and 
spiritual  good  is  designed,  and  to  attend  it 
regularly.  Yet  perseverance  will  do  wonders, 
and  kindness  is  never  ultimately  thrown  away 
upon  the  poor.  They  were  not  forgotten  by 
Mrs.  Sherman.  She  formed  another  associa- 
tion, consisting  of  the  poor  mothers  of  the  con- 
gregation, and  all  whom  they  were  disposed  to 


MATERNAL  ASSOCIATIONS.  117 

bring  with  them ;  this  might  be  called  her 
favorite  institution,  for  which  she  prepared 
with  great  delight.  While  they  treated  their 
president  with  great  respect  and  affection,  there 
was  less  reserve  than  etiquette  imposes  on  a 
higher  class  of  society,  more  freedom  of  con- 
versation, and  consequently  more  knowledge  , 
of  the  good  effected.  Often  has  ghe  returned 
to  her  husband  after  meeting  these  poor  moth- 
ers, with  a  countenance  beaming  with  joy  at 
the  interesting  communications  they  made, 
the  simple  and  fervent  prayers  they  offered, 
and  the  evident  benefit  their  families  derived 
from  these  conversational  exercises.  These 
good  effects  were  soon  visible  among  them : 
some  of  the  roughest  specimens  of  human  na- 
ture became  gentle  as  lambs,  and  the  energy 
of  their  disposition  was  directed  to  the  noblest 
end  of  life ;  others,  naturally  timid,  were 
strengthened  to  serve  God  without  fear ;  in 
several  of  their  houses  family  prayer  was  es- 
tablished, and  in  not  a  few  instances  the  con- 
version of  the  attending  mother  followed.  Oh, 
it  would  have  cheered  any  spirit  to  see  her 
who  went  forth  weeping,  reaping  her  sheaves, 


118 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


receiving  wages,  and  gathering  fruit  to  life 
eternal. 

When  ahsent  from  home,  through  ill  health 
or  the  claims  of  parental  love,  her  practice  was 
frequently  to  write  a  letter  addressed  to  the 
poor  mothers,  which  might  be  read  at  their 
,  assemblies.  Several  of  those  epistles  became 
instruments  .of  usefulness,  stirring  them  up  to 
devotedness  to  Christ,  punctuality  in  their  at- 
tendance, and  a  greater  watchfulness  over  their 
femilies.  Many  speak  to  this  day  of  the  joy 
that  was  diffused,  from  the  evidence  they 
afforded  of  the  sympathy  and  piety  of  their 
president's  heart;  and  one  of  the  mothers  at- 
tributes her  conversion  to  the  impression  pro- 
duced by  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Sherman,  which 
was  read  at  one  of  their  meetings.  The  follow- 
ing is  a  specimen  of  this  kind  of  correspondence, 
and  will  show  how  intensely  she  thirsted  after 
their  temporal  and  spiritual  interests. 

"St.  Boniface  Hotel,  Ventnor,  Feb.  23,  1846. 

"  My  dear  Friends — I  received  your  very 
kind  and  sympathizing  letter  with  much  pleas- 
ure, and  the  gratification  I  experienced  in 
shaking  hands  with  you  so  immediately  be- 


MATERNAL  ASSOCIATIONS.  119 

fore  my  removal  from  my  beloved  home,  has 
left  a  most  cheering  impression  on  my  mind. 
One  thing  which  pleased  me  in  doing  so  was, 
that  you  might  see  for  yourselves  that  I  was 
not  in  so  sad  a  condition  as  some  anxious  minds 
have  imagined.  I  trust  by  thus  promptly  using 
decided  measures,  it  may  be  my  privilege  soon 
to  return  to  you  in  health  and  comparative 
strength.  The  little  meetings  with  you,  though 
marked  on  my  part  with  great  weakness  and 
insufficiency,  have  always  proved  refreshing  to 
my  own  mind,  and  1  am  anxious  to  induce  the 
healthy  ones  here  to  seek  the  formation  of  such 
an  association.  I  have  not  strength,  personally, 
to  form  one,  but  I  will  try  to  influence  others 
to  do  what  they  can  :  I  know  you  would  glad- 
ly second  such  a  resolution.  I  think  of  you  all 
with  increased  interest,  now  that  I  have  drank 
more  deeply  of  the  cup  of  sorrow.  This  heart 
has  experienced  pangs  to  which  it  was  an  utter 
stranger  before,  and  so  I  have  been  taught 
more  keenly  to  feel  for  those  who  are  called  to 
drink,  if  not  the  same,  yet  as  bitter  a  cup,  and 
much  more  bitter  too.  But  there  are  sweet 
promises  to  such,  which  not  even  the  Christian 


120 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


can  prize  till  he  is  in  circumstances  of  trial ; 
and  there  are  consolations  and  discoveries  of 
the  divine  character  in  affliction  which  are 
found  only  then.  It  is  when  thus  exercised 
and  tried,  that  we  reahze  that  God  is  dealing 
with  us.  When  our  path  is  not  to  he  distin- 
guished from  that  of  the  mass  around  us,  we 
cannot  see  that  our  Father  is  taking  special 
interest  in  us. 

"  The  child  that  plays  from  morning  to  night, 
that  does  any  rude  thing  it  chooses,  even  if  hy 
no  means  a  rebellious  or  wicked  child,  yet,  if 
it  meet  with  no  effort  to  regulate  the  right 
employment  of  its  time,  no  check  to  rude- 
ness, no  impediment  to  its  self-pleasing,  the 
inference  is,  that  the  parent  takes  no  interest 
in  that  child,  and  eventually  it  must  suffer  for 
the  want  of  necessary  guidance  and  restraint. 
The  child  that  is  of  an  age  to  reflect,  will  re- 
gard parental  discipline  as  an  evidence  of  love, 
when  properly  administered  and  not  under  the 
influence  of  a  disposition  as  evil  as  that  which 
it  professes  to  correct ;  and  we  have  only  to 
compare  our  heavenly  Father's  discipline  and 
regulation  of  his  family,  with  that  of  a  well- 


MATERNAL  ASSOCIATIONS.  121 

ordered  household,  to  see  indeed  a  most  hum- 
hling  contrast,  but  at  the  same  time  to  find 
many  a  mysterious  point  made  clear :  an4  who 
would  not  welcome  his  all- wise  discip/ine  ? 

"But  each  of  us  has  her  little  vexing  trials,  * 
such  as  we  cannot  talk  about ;  and  if  we  are 
not  watchful,  these,  which  I  think  are  the  most 
calculated  when  rightly  viewed  to  prove  choice 
blessings,  will  miss  their  design,  just  because 
we  think  them  too  small  to  spread  before  God, 
and  to  seek  to  derive  from  them  a  sanctifying 
influence.  Our  Christian  character  is  far  more 
tried  and  strengthened  by  these  little  things, 
and  the  opportunities  of  glorifying  God  under 
them  are  much  greater  than  in  our  larger  trials, 
which  we  must  bring  before  God.  More  graces 
are  proved,  a  greater  variety  and  number  of 
means  for  purifying  are  being  exercised,  in 
those  every-day  circumstances  which  too  often 
try  the  temper,  conceal  Christ's  image,  hide 
God's  smile,  and  imbitter  every  thing  around. 
The  very  things  of  which  you  are  ready  to  say, 
•but  for  these  things  I  should  be  a  happy  wo- 
man,' are  expressly  designed  by  your  heavenly 
Father  for  your  special  happiness,  by  correct- 


122 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


ing  in  you  those  numberless  evils  which  pre- 
vent real  and  abiding  happiness. 

"Let  it  be  more  our  prayerful  aim  to  see 
and  regard  God's  all-wise  hand  in  our  daily 
circumstances ;  and  though  they  may  be  things 
which  he  does  not  approve,  let  us  remember 
that  all  hearts  and  events  are  under  his  con- 
trol. He  permits  them  for  your  sanotification, 
to  draw  you  out  of  yourself  to  more  simple 
dependence  on  his  strength,  to  gain  from  them 
the  exercise  of  those  graces  which  his  Spirit 
has  sown  in  your  hearts.  But  there  are  some 
dear  mothers  among  us,  who  dare  not  believe 
they  belong  to  the  family  with  which  God 
their  Father  is  taking  so  much  pains;  their 
vexations  are  seen  only  as  such,  and  they  know 
no  sympathizing  heart.  My  dear  friends,  who 
made  us  to  differ  ?  did  our  superiority  to  you, 
or  our  natural  excellence,  bring  us  there  ? 
Never;  his  boundless  pity  and  grace  gave  his 
Son  for  our  salvation  and  yours.  He  offered 
forgiveness,  eternal  life,  and  admission  into  his 
family  to  us,  and  he  inclined  us  to  accept  these 
blessings.  We  would  tell  you  what  a  dear 
Saviour  we  have  found,  and  we  entreat  you  to 


MATERNAL  ASSOCIATIONS. 


123 


seek  liim  too :  we  came  empty,  so  must  you  ; 
we  had  nothing  but  our"  guilt  and  misery  to 
bring  him,  nor  have  you  ;  he  came  to  seek  and 
to  save  that  which  was  lost ;  we  were  lost,  and 
so  are  you ;  we  are  saved  by  grace,  and  so 
may  you  be.  Come  now,  before  you  return  to 
your  home,  lest  its  temptations  crush  the  de- 
sires that  may  be  rising  in  your  minds.  Come, 
and  entreat  Grod  to  extend  to  you  for  Jesus' 
sake  the  mercy  we  have  found,  and  to  make 
your  whole  heart  open  to  receive  him,  as  your 
Saviour,  your  Friend,  and  your  King;  then  all 
things  must  work  together  for  your  good,  how- 
ever painful,  for  he  says  they  shall.  The  bitter 
cup  shall  be  sweet,  life  with  all"  its  trials  a 
blessing,  and  death  eternal  gain.  May  we  be 
one  unbroken  circle  in  heaven,  and  together 
review  the  way  He  has  led  us,  and  rejoice  and 
triumph  in  his  love. 

"  Believe  me,  ever  your  affectionate 
"Friend  and  sister  in  Christ, 

"MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

In  the  spring  of  1842,  Mrs.  Sherman's  useful 
engagements  were  interrupted  by  an  unfore- 
seen and  afflictive  dispensation.    The  incea- 


124 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


sant  labors  during  the  previous  five  years, 
which  the  congregation  at  Surrey  cha})el  and 
the  cause  of  God  generally  had  required  from 
her  husband,  began  to  affect  his  health:  the 
organs  of  speech  became  greatly  enfeebled,  and 
the  physicians  who  were  consulted,  predicted 
that  unless  he  submitted  immediately  to  entire 
cessation  from  all  pulpit  exercises  for  at  least 
six  months,  and  resided  in  purer  air,  it  was 
not  improbable  he  would  have  to  abandon  the 
ministry  altogether.  To  insure  freedom  from 
temptation  to  preach,  and  to  occupy  an  active 
mind  with  new  scenes,  a  tour  on  the  continent 
was  advised.  In  order  to  accelerate  the  cure, 
and  minister  comfort  to  the  invalid,  the  society 
of  his  wife  and  an  afflicted  daughter  was  deem- 
ed indispensable. 

This  period  .of  release  from  pressing  and 
responsible  duties,  was  not  embraced  by  Mrs. 
Sherman  as  an  opportunity  for  cessation  from 
active  labors,  and  for  a  mere  abandonment  to 
the  enjoyment  of  the  novelties  by  which  she 
was  surrounded  in  a  foreign  land.  Her  highly 
refined  and  cultivated  taste  found  its  utmost 
gratification  in  the  works  of  the  best  masters, 


JOURNEY  TO  AUSTRIA 


125 


with  which  most  of  the  continental  cities  are 
so  richly  furnished;  and  especially  in  the  mag- 
nificent display  of  Grod's  workmanship  in  the 
beauties  of  creation,  which  at  times  so  over- 
powered her,  that  she  says,  "  I  could  only  find 
vent  for  expression  in  tears  of  joy  and  grati- 
tude to  my  Grod,  who  had  made  for  me,  a  sin- 
ner, such  a  beauteous  world."  At  the  same 
time,  her  warm  heart  was  constantly  alive  to 
the  ignorance  and  wretchedness  amidst  which 
she  was  moving ;  and  most  gladly  did  she 
make  opportunities,  and  improve  them,  for 
dropping  the  good  seed  of  the  word,  in  the  hope 
that  this  tour  might  be  fruitful  in  good  results 
to  the  praise  and  glory  of  Grod.  She  lent  a 
ready  and  cordial  sympathy  to  every  effort 
which  she  met  with,  for  establishing  pure,  spir- 
itual worship,  in  the  place  of  corrupt  and 
superstitious  observances;  and  an  occasional 
interview  with  a  sincere  and  devout  Christian 
was,  to  her  rejoicing  spirit,  "as  cold  water  to 
a  thirsty  soul."  "Without  the  abridgment  of 
any  innocent  gratification,  and  with  the  enjoy- 
ment of  a  peaceful  conscience,  she  maintained  a 
cheerful,  fervent  piety,  in  the  most  barren  places, 


126 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


by  enlarged  communion  with  God,  and  by  a 
diligent  study  of  that  precious  book  which 
affords  the  richest  nourishment  to  the  soul 
hungering  after  righteousness.  How  pleasant 
the  survey  of  a  residence  in  a  foreign  clime, 
when  yielding  such  fruits  of  holiness,  and  sus- 
tained by  such  living,  active  piety. 

After  an  absence  of  six  months,  Mrs.  Sher- 
man and  her  husband  returned  to  their  home 
and  their  labors,  the  chief  object  of  their  jour- 
ney having  been  attained  in  the  entire  restora- 
tion of  his  health.  But  the  result  was  other- 
wise in  the  case  of  their  daughter :  she  did  not 
live  to  return  to  England. 

This  unexpected  calamity  was  most  acutely 
felt  by  Mrs.  Sherman,  and  she  anxiously  sought 
that  it  might  be  made  useful,  especially  to  her 
Sabbath-class.  In  a  note  to  the  friend  who 
kindly  relieved  her  of  the  painful  task  of  an- 
nouncing to  them  this  sad  event,  she  says,  "In 
the  retirement  of  my  closet  this  afternoon;  my 
feeble  prayer  shall  be  that  an  eminent  blessing 
may  rest  on  you,  and  on  those  endeared  young 
people;  that  the  usefulness  I  had  planned  only 
for  my  beloved  child,  may  be  accomplished, 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  127 

and  not  defeated,  by  her  early  removal.  One 
thing  will  tend  preeminently  to  heal  my 
wounded  heart — the  conversion  of  those  dear 
girls  to  God.  Long  have  I  pleaded  for  them ; 
it  may  he  that  Grod  is  about  to  grant  me  my 
desire  by  this  solemn  dispensation.  I  believe 
they  would  rejoice  to  soothe  me  in  my  sorrow. 
This  I  can  say,  my  sorrow  shall  be  turned 
into  joy  if  they  will  this  day  consecrate  them- 
selves to  God." 

"Mr.  Tyler  improved  the  event  to  my  class, 
I  understand,  in  a  very  impressive  manner. 
The  weeping  among  the  dear  girls  will  prove, 
I  trust,  the  softening  shower  which  precedes 
the  springing  of  the  seed,  which  shall  eventu- 
ally bring  forth  fruit  to  life  eternal.  We  had 
fully  expected  Mr.  James  of  Birmingham  to 
preach  to  the  congregation;  but  as  he  could 
not  come,  the  elders  and  some  of  the  more 
judicious  of  the  church  so  strongly  urged  my 
dear  husband  to  undertake  it,  that  he  reluc- 
tantly consented,  and  last  Sunday  evening,  to 
an  overflowing  congregation,  he  preached  from 
John  19:38,  'A  disciple  of  Jesus,  but  se- 
cretly,' a  most  suitable  and  impressive  ser- 


128 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


mon.  The  character  was  faithfully  and  affec- 
tionately drawn,  and  I  am  looking  for  much 
fruit.  As  it  will  be  printed,*  pray  that  its 
usefulness  may  extend  far  beyond  our  congre- 
gation." 

A  little  before  this  period,  Mrs.  Sherman  had 
become  deeply  interested  in  a  group  of  sisters 
in  Lancashire,  of  cultivated  minds  and  man- 
ners, one  of  whom  only  had  at  that  period 
become  associated  with  the  church  of  Christ. 
During  repeated  visits  she  labored  to  impress 
them  with  the  loveliness  of  religion,  and  the 
absolute  necessity  of  immediate  consecration 
to  the  Saviour.  "Without  attributing  too  much 
to  her  example  and  conversation,  there  is  every 
reason  to  believe  they  left  a  conviction  of  its 
value  and  importance,  and  were  preliminary 
helps  to  their  decision.  She  had  the  joy  of 
beholding  all  of  them,  before  her  death,  united 
to  Christ  by  faith,  and  the  companions  of  his 
saints.   An  extract  from  a  letter  to  one  of  these 

*  The  Secret  Disciple,  a  sermon  occasioned  by  the 
decease  of  Miss  Selina  Sherman,  at  Freiwaldau,  Silesia, 
Austria,  preached  at  Surrey  chapel,  November  27,  1842, 
by  the  Rev.  James  Sherman.    Fourth  edition. 


■BENEVOLENT  LABORS. 


129 


amiable  sisters,  will  best  exhibit  her  anxieties 
and  prayers  on  her  behalf. 

"June,  1841. 

"I  should  rejoice  in  attempting  the  most 
painful,  self-denying  thing,  if  I  could  but  be 
the  means  of  bringing  my  sweet  friend  to  the 
entire,  the  unreserved  consecration  of  her  heart, 
her  life,  her  all  to  Christ.  This  is  my  earnest 
prayer  for  you,  dear,  and  my  happiness  cannot 
be  perfect  in  this  world  till  it  is  acoomphshed. 
I  think  of  that  soul  which  is  destined  to  im- 
mortaUty,  as  one  whose  powers  were  granted 
that  they  might  promote  the  glory  of  Him  who 
intrusted  them  to  your  care,  and  fit  you  for  the 
society  of  the  pure  spirits  in  heaven,  and  en- 
able you  to  further  the  glorious  designs  of  God 
in  bringing  others  to  that  blessed  company. 
He  is  always  promoting  the  happiness  and  ben- 
efit of  the  creatures  he  has  formed  for  himself, 
and  he  designs  that  such  should  be  the  benev- 
olent and  elevated  occupation  of  every  redeemed 
spirit  in  this  world.  Your  powers  of  mind  ; 
their  cultivation  by  education  ahd  thought ;  all 
the  events  of  providence,  and  the  little  inci- 
dents in  your  history ;  the  vexations  and  daily 

Shcrmau.  9 


130 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


mortifications  to  which  you,  in  common  with 
every  other  creature,  are  suhject,  as  much  as 
the  pleasures  and  enjoyments  of  life — all  are 
designed  to  lead  to  heaven,  to  prepare  you  for 
its  hallowed  joys,  and  expel  every  weed  which 
might  not  grow  in  the  heavenly  garden.  Can 
I  fail,  then,  to  look  with  much  anxiety  on  her 
who  seems  wavering  and  hesitating  ;  knowing 
too  much  of  the  loveliness  of  true  religion  to  be 
happy  without  it,  yet  not  sufficiently  acquainted 
with  its  glories  to  feel  that  all  besides  is  worth- 
less, and  to  take  up  her  cross  for  its  glorious 
Author's  sake. 

"Methinks,  if  you  could  fairly  place  side  by 
side  the  value  of  the  pursuits  of  the  two  worlds, 
the  earthly  and  the  heavenly,  you  could  not 
choose  the  earthly.  What  is  the  end  to  which 
all  your  pursuits  bear  ?  I  know  you  are  amia- 
ble, intelligent,  benevolent,  kind,  with  many 
sweet  charms  besides.  But  taking  all  your 
life  together,  what  end  have  you  in  view? 
Your  pursuits  gratify  you  as  far  as  they  are 
the  result  of  your  own  choice;  they  are  en- 
larging your  mind  by  adding  to  your  stores  of 
knowledge,  and  thus  making  you  an  intelligent 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  131 

and  interesting  companion ;  you  fill  the  station 
in  which  Providence  has  placed  you  with  much 
propriety;  you  administer  to  the  happiness  of 
many,  as  you  have  done  to  mine.  But  there 
is  something  deficient  in  it  all ;  and  if  I  mis- 
take not,  the  feeling  which  I  had  for  many 
years  is  yours :  there  was  wanting  one  grand 
object  of  pursuit,  which  at  the  entrance  of  your 
spiritual  course,  like  Christian's  wicket-gate, 
is  to  be  always  in  view. 

"The  Christian,  when  his  heart  is  surren- 
dered to  Him  from  whom  ii»  its  madness  it 
wandered,  feels  he  is  no  longer  his  own ;  his 
own  gratification  is  not  his  aim — he  seeks  only 
to  please  God.  Every  imagination  of  his  heart 
is  so  grovelling  and  defiled,  that  he  longs  for  a 
purer,  higher  guide  than  his  own  wisdom. 
And  he  finds  the  will  of  God  in  every  respect 
pure  and  worthy  of  a  soul  which  is  to  dwell 
with  God.  From  henceforth  the  glory  of  God 
is  the  aim;  in  every  pursuit  enlargement  of 
mind  is  sought,  that  it  may  contain  and  com- 
prehend more  of  God,  and  so  be  fitted  to  pro- 
mote his  designs  and  work  with  him  in  the 
renovation  and  salvation  of  the  world.  Self 


132 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


daily  becomes  less  and  less,  as  Grod  appears 
greater  and  more  lovely;  earthly  pursuits  be- 
come uncongenial,  and  the  bearing  of  every 
thing  is  the  will  of  God:  what  he  loves,  the 
Christian  loves;  what  he  hates,  the  Christian 
hates.  Grod  loves  every  creature  of  the  family 
of  man,  and  seeks  his  happiness;  so  does  the 
Christian.  The  distinctions  he  once  felt  are 
gradually  lost  as  he  grows  in  grace,  and  his 
desire  is  to  carry  out  to  his  utmost  influence 
this  object  of  the  divine  mind.  He  recognizes 
and  loves  the  tgraces  of  his  Saviour's  image 
where  they  are  to  be  found;  and  where  they 
are  not,  he  remembers  that  once  he  too  was 
unprofitable  and  corrupt,  and  he  longs  to  pro- 
cure the  deliverance  of  that  soul  through  the 
almighty  Power  which  rescued  him. 

"And  does  not  even  this  very  faint  picture 
prove  that  happiness  is  nowhere  to  be  found 
till  we  begin  to  pursue  the  great  end  of  our 
being?  Why  did  the  'Son  of  God'  humble 
himself,  and  become  a  curse  for  us,  but  that 
we  might  be  delivered  from  that  weight  of  sin 
which  binds  the  soul  to  earth?  Would  he 
thus  have  suffered  and  obeyed,  but  to  restore 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  133 

US  to  the  pure  joys  of  pardon  and  communion 
with  our  Father  ?  Lose  not  a  moment  of  such 
joy,  my  sweet  friend.  You  feel  the  burden  of 
sin  heavier  every  moment;  fly  to  the  cross, 
cast  it  there,  and  let  that  sin-defiled  heart  be 
washed  in  that  cleansing  stream,  and  there 
seek  the  promised  Spirit  to  enable  you  to  soar 
towards  heaven,  to  take  up  your  cross,  to  mor- 
tify self  and  sin,  and  to  fix  your  eyes  on 
'Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith.' 
Keep  his  example  ever  in  view  for  your  guide ; 
his  cross  to  remind  you  of  the  price  of  your 
redemption,  and  your  obligation  io  devote  to 
him  what  he  has  purchased  there.  And  as 
his  Father's  glory  was  his  undeviating  pursuit 
while  working  out  our  redemption,  so  be  it 
yours,  as  one  who  reaps  the  benefit  of  it 
'  You  are  not  your  own,'  remember.  Grive  God 
no  rest,  dear,  till  you  are  in  the  fold,  of  Jesus. 
Yield  not  to  the  difficulties  of  prayer.  Satan 
will  try  to  present  such  impediments  as  will 
provoke  you  to  relinquish  it  at  times ;  but  you 
must  apply  all  your  energies,  and  constantly 
and  perseveringly  too.  All  is  at  stake;  you 
must  let  nothing  interpose  between  you  and 


134 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


heaven.  This  shall  be  my  prayer  for  you,  my 
child." 

Sufferers  had  always  a  large  share  of  sym- 
pathy in  the  heart  of  the  pastor's  wife,  and  an 
event  called  forth  its  expression  on  behalf  of  a 
little  boy,  supposed  to  be  a  prince  of  the  Semi- 
nole tribe  of  Indians.  His  history  is  full  of 
romantic  interest.  The  following  particulars 
were  communicated  by  Dr.  Welch,  who  brought 
him  to  this  country. 

On  the  25th  August,  1836,  a  scouting  party 
of  five  soldiers  set  out  from  Newnansville, 
Florida,  to  scour  the  surrounding  country,  and 
look  out  for  signs  of  Indians.  Early  in  the 
morning  they  disturbed  several,  who  were 
helping  themselves  to  some  sweet  potatoes  in  a 
fenced  field,  belonging  to  a  deserted  residence ; 
the  Indians  took  the  alarm  in  time  to  leap  over 
the  fence  and  make  their  escape,  retreating 
over  a  small  stream  into  the  forest,  through 
which  the  soldiers  followed  the  trails  of  one  or 
two  a  short  distance ;  they  then  deemed  it 
prudent  to  return,  not  knowing  the  strength  of 
the  enemy,  and  again  made  their  way  into  one 
of  the  military  roads  lately  made  in  Florida. 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  135 

where  they  soon  fell  upon  tracks  of  the  foot- 
steps of  an  Indian  child,  rendered  distinct  by 
rain  which  had  recently  fallen ;  these  they 
determined  to  pursue,  considering"  it  tolerably 
certain  that  they  would  be  led  thereby  to  one 
of  the  encampments  of  the  tribe.  Towards 
night-fall  they  came  in  sight  of  the  little  wan- 
derer, he  having  in  fact  lost  his  way.  With 
that  quickness  of  hearing  which  characterizes 
all  creatures  in  a  wild  state,  he  seemed  to  be 
aware  of  the  approach  of  his  pursuers,  for  they 
saw  him  bounding  like  a  fawn  to  seek  the 
covert  of  the  bushes;  and  there  they  found 
him  concealed  in  the  high  grass. 

On  being  seized,  he  uttered  a  scream  of  ter- 
ror, expecting  instant  death ;  but  he  soon  smiled 
through  his  fast-falling  tears,  and  in  an  im- 
ploring attitude  held  up  a  peach  in  his  little 
hand,  as  a  ransom  for  his  life!  In  his  flight 
he  had  passed  through  a  peach-orchard ;  not 
having  eaten  or  drank  the  whole  day,  he  pluck- 
ed a  few,  and  put  some  of  them  in  the  front 
part  of  his  dress.  The  soldier  took  the  offered 
peach  and  smiled,  then  returned  it;  and  taking 
the  little  fugitive  in  his  arms,  mounted  his 


136 


MAE.THA  SHERMAN. 


horse  and  placed  him  behind  him.  It  was 
quite  dark  before  they  reached  Newnansville, 
where  he  was  taken  in  charge  by  one  of  the 
soldiers  for  the  night,  who  fed  the  poor  little 
famished  prisoner  with  a  bowl  of  milk,  and 
gave  him  a  blanket,  in  which  he  wrapped  him- 
self after  the  Indian  fashion,  and  lying  down 
before  the  fire  was  soon  asleep. 

On  the  next  morning,  he  was  brought  a  pris- 
oner to  Colonel  Warren,  commandant  at  the 
military  station  at  Newnansville,  by  whom  he 
was  given  into  the  charge  of  James  Shields, 
the  soldier  who  took  him,  and  who  humanely 
preserved  him  from  a  proposal  made  by  his 
comrades  to  murder  him.  He  seemed  to  be 
five  or  six  years  old;  he  was  emaciated,  and 
his  appearance  indicated  extreme  suffering. 
For  at  least  three  weeks,  he  maintained  nearly 
a  perfect  silence,  and  apparently  brooded  over 
what  he  felt  to  be  a  heavy  misfortune.  Well 
aware  that  he  was  in  the  hands  of  enemies,  he 
looked  cautiously  and  quickly  around,  when- 
ever a  sound  reached  his  ears,  and  appeared  as 
if  watching  an  opportunity  to  escape.  What- 
ever passed  in  his  infant  brain,  it  was  quite 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  137 

clear  that  he  did  not  contemplate  starvation,  as 
he  ate  the  bread  and  milk  which  was  given  to 
him,  accepting  it  however  with  indifference  or 
shyness,  and  again  relapsing  into  liis  state  of 
sadness  when  the  meal  was  finished.  He  was 
never  heard  to  cry,  sob,  or  moan,  but  generally 
sat  on  the  floor  cross-legged,  motionless  and 
thoughtful,  and  seemed  overwhelmed  with  a 
melancholy  which  in  one  so  young  was  touch- 
ing to  witness. 

Instead  of  sending  the  child  a  prisoner  to 
head-quarters.  Colonel  Warren,  with  commend- 
able kindness  and  generosity,  removed  him  with 
his  family  to  his  country  residence,  where  he 
permitted  him  to  eat,  drink,  play,  and  sleep 
with  his  children ;  and  although  the  child  of 
their  enemies,  he  soon  engaged  the  affections 
and  kindly  feelings  of  the  colonel's  whole  es- 
tablishment. When  the  colonel  returned  with 
his  family  to  Jacksonville,  the  little  Indian 
accompanied  them,  and  became  the  frequent 
visitor  of  Dr.  Welch.  He  had  now  acquired  a 
sufficient  knowledge  of  English  to  make  him- 
self tolerably  well  understood  ;  his  health  had 
greatly  improved,  and  he  had  grown  a  pretty, 


138 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


\nteresting  child.  Dr.  "Welch  entertaming  great 
sympathy  for  the  little  captive,  fancying  he  ob- 
served in  him  the  dawning  of  good  qualities, 
and  fearing  he  would  be  eventually  claimed  as 
a  prisoner  of  war,  preferred  a  request  to  Colo- 
nel Warren,  that  as  he  was  about  to  leave  that 
part  of  the  country,  he  would  allow  the  doctor 
to  constitute  himself  his  guardian.  This  re- 
quest was  gi-anted,  and  he  came  under  Dr. 
Welch's  protection  October  31,  1837. 

No  persuasions  could  induce  him  to  divulge 
his  own  name,  or  the  names  of  his  family ;  but 
when  sent  to  school,  the  governess  succeeded 
ill  eliciting  from  him  his  own  name,  Nikkano- 
chee,  and  that  of  his  father,  Econchatti;  and 
when  asked,  on  one  occasion,  if  he  had  ever 
been  whipped  while  in  his  tribe,  he  replied 
that  his  uncle  had  once  punished  him  with 
small  switches  to  make  him  walk  faster — prob- 
ably when  retreating  from  their  enemies ;  and 
on  being  questioned  what  was  the  name  of  his 
uncle,  in  an  instant  he  answered,  "Oceola." 
From  this  and  other  concurrent  testimony,  Dr. 
"Welch  believes  him  to  be  the  nephew  of  the 
valiant  Oceola,  who  was  treacherously  betray- 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  139 

ed,  and  died  a  captive  in  the  fort  of  St.  Augus- 
tine, in  East  Florida,  and  the  son  of  Econchatti 
Mico,  king  of  the  Red  hills.  In  consequence 
of  this  discovery,  Dr.  Welch  added  Oceola  to 
his  acknowledged  name  of  Nikkanochee.  It 
soon  heeame  evident,  that  being  freed  from 
military  guardianship,  the  hostility  of  his  white 
neighbors,  and  the  risk  of  his  being  claimed  by 
the  authorities  and  sent  *'  west,"  rendered  the 
situation  of  the  orphan  boy  any  thing  but  se- 
cure. Circumstances  transpired  to  determine 
Dr.  AVelch  to  leave  Florida  and  return  to  Eng- 
land, where  he  arrived  with  his  little  Indian 
on  the  2d  July,  1840. 

After  his  residence  in  England  about  eigh- 
teen  months,  reverses  rendered  it  necessary  for 
the  doctor  to  place  his  young  charge  in  some 
establishment  where  his  education  would  be 
attended  to,  and  he  would  be  prepared  to  pro- 
vide for  his  wants  in  advancing  years;  but 
every  attempt  failed  to  secure  the  object.  By 
Oceola's  repeated  visits  to  Mrs.  Sherman,  she 
had  some  opportunities  of  gaining  a  knowledge 
of  his  character  and  habits,  and  her  sympathy 
and  affection  were  drawn  forth  to  the  lad.  At 


140 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


length,  after  much  consultation  with  her  hus- 
band, whose  sympathy  ran  in  the  same  chan- 
nel, it  was  determined  to  receive  him  into  her 
house,  and  to  adopt  and  educate  him  as  her 
child.  Although  many  blamed  her  for  incur- 
ring so  gi-eat  a  risk  as  that  of  taking  a  half- 
civilized  boy  into  the  family,  every  step  of  his 
history  hitherto  has  justified  her  decision.  By 
the  liberality  of  friends  who  were  interested  in 
his  welfare,  Oceola  was  sent  to  Mill  hill  gram- 
mar-school, where  he,  by  his  courage  and 
amiableness,  became  a  favorite  of  all  the 
scholars.  After  remaining  there  two  years  and 
a  half,  he.  chose  the  sea  as  a  profession,  has 
been  several  voyages,  and  maintains  a  high 
character  with  his  pious  captain  and  ship- 
mates. 

It  was  very  refreshing  to  see  the  lively  inter- 
est which  Mrs.  Sherman  took  in  this  orphan's 
welfare,  with  what  assiduity  she  instructed 
him  in  the  principles  of  the  gospel,  both  orally 
and  by  letter,  and  furnished  him  with  comforts 
to  which  heretofore  he  had  been  a  stranger. 
He  loves  her  memory;  may  he  yet  repay  all 
her  efforts  and  prayers. 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS. 


141 


The  year  1843  was  distinguished,  in  her 
estimation,  by  the  marriage  of  her  eldest 
daughter  Mary  to  Mr.  Charles  Burls,  junior. 
The  pleasure  she  took  in  the  preparations  for 
that  event  will  not  he  forgotten  by  all  parties 
interested;  especially  her  anxiety  that  the  cer- 
emony and  "the  marriage  feast"  might  con- 
tribute something  to  edification,  and  convey  a 
blessing  to  alf.  Nothing  was  neglected  that 
her  taste  or  etiquette  could  supply;  but  the 
great  desire  of  her  soul  was  uppermost,  that 
the  wedded  pair  should  leave  her  roof  with 
sanctified  impressions  of  duty,  and  enter  upon 
a  new  career  of  life  under  its  pleasing  and 
solemn  responsibilities.  Little  Oceola,  in  his 
native  dress,  and  her  youngest  child  Martha, 
then  nearly  five  years  of  age,  led  the  proces- 
sion from  the  parsonage  to  the  communion- 
table in  the  chapel,  spreading  sweet  flowers 
in  the  way.  A  large  number  of  Christian 
friends,  chiefly  relatives,  followed,  and  the  sa- 
cred edifice  was  crowded  with  an  interested 
congregation.  The  father  of  the  bride  con- 
ducted the  service,  amidst  the  aspirations  of 
many  hearts  for  a  blessing  on  the  union ;  and 


142 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


after  their  return  to  the  house,  at  the  request 
of  Mrs.  Sherman,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Morison  dehv- 
ered  a  most  appropriate  and  touching  charge 
to  the  bride  and  bridegroom,  and  again  com- 
mended them  to  God.  At  the  feast  several 
gentlemen  addressed  the  company  assembled, 
and  produced  on  those  who  waited,  as  well  as 
on  those  who  partook  of  it,  a  most  salutary 
impression.  One  person  became  decided  for 
G-od,  as  the  fruit  of  her  prayers  and  efforts  on 
that  memorable  occasion. 

On  the  13th  of  June,  in  the  following  year, 
1844,  she  gave  birth  to  another  daughter,  after 
a  long  season  of  painful  suspension  from  active 
labor.  While  confined  for  months  previously 
to  a  horizontal  position,  her  active  spirit  direct- 
ed her  pen  and  influence  in  her  great  Master's 
cause.  Only  three  specimens  pf  letters,  out 
of  great  numbers  written  at  this  period,  will 
now  be  given ;  the  first  showing  the  fervent 
desires  of  her  pious  heart  towards  her  first- 
born child. 

"  Surrey  Parsonage,  June  4,  1844. 

"My  precious  Child  —  Mamma  has  been 
thinking  and  talking  of  you  so  much,  that  she 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS. 


143 


is  sure  you  ought  to  be  a  very  good  little  child, 
and  let  her  have  nothing  but  wha.t  is  pleasant 
to  talk  about.  This  time  six  long  years  ago, 
you  came  to  mamma,  a  very  little  baby,  but 
so  fat,  and  looking  so  grave,  as  if  you  never 
meant  to  laugh.  Well,  mamma  was  very 
much  pleased  that  (rod  had  trusted  her  with 
a  baby  ;  and  before  he  had  done  so,  when  she 
only  hoped  he  would  give  her  one,  she  used 
TO  think,  what  will  that  baby  be,  if  it  should 
live  to  be  a  great  woman.  Mamma  only  had 
one  wish,  and  that  was  that  her  heavenly 
Father  would  adopt  her  child  into  his  family, 
that  it  might  always  love  and  serve  him  in 
this  world,  and  then  go  into  his  family  in 
heaven,  where  it  would  be  with  him  for  ever. 
So  as  soon  as  he  gave  her  the  little  baby, 
mamma  gave  her  to  God,  to  be  his  own  happy 
little  child. 

"Now,  no  one  likes  to  have  a  naughty,  sin- 
ful child  in  their  family ;  and  God  is  so  holy, 
and  .so  good,  that  he  has  only  good  children  in 
his  family.  When  he  receives  them,  they  are 
indeed  guilty,  sinful  children ;  but  he  gave  his 
dear  Son  Jesus  Christ  to  suffer  for  their  sins. 


144 


MARTHA  SHERMAN 


and  to  obey  his  holy  law,  which  all  had  broken ; 
and  now,  when  a  little  sinful  cliild  wishes  no 
longer  to  grieve  him,  but  to  be  obedient,  and 
holy,  and  fit  for  his  family,  she  goes  to  God  by 
Jesus  Christ;  and  when  the  holy  God  would 
say,  'I  cannot  receive  that  Uttle  sinful  child,' 
she  says,  '  No,  but  Jesus  has  borne  away  my 
sins,  and  honored  thy  holy  law,  and  for  his 
sake  receive  me,  and  make  me  one  of  thy 
happy  and  obedient  children.'  Now,  he  never 
refuses  those  who  come  in  Christ's  name. 
Jesus  pleads  for  that  little  child,  that  for  his 
sake  she  may  be  accepted.  Then  the  Holy 
Spirit  of  God  performs  his  part :  he  takes  away 
the  little  heart  that  was  so  fond  of  sin,  and 
makes  the  dear  child  give  up  her  naughty 
tempers,  and  try  to  be  like  Jesus.  He  teaches 
her  how  to  please  and  serve  God,  and  makes 
her  love  him  more  than  she  ever  loved  any 
body  before.  Then  every  one  around  her  can 
find  out  that  there  is  a  great  change  in  that 
little  child's  mind.  She  loves  her  Bible,  she 
loves  to  pray,  and  instead  of  trying  to  please 
herself,  she  tries  to  please  God  first,  and  then 
every  body  around  her.    If  any  one  is  unkind 


BENEVOLENT  LABOHS. 


145 


to  her,  instead  of  being  unkind  in  return,  she 
tries  to  be  more  kind  than  ever  to  that  person, 
because  Jesus  did  so,  and  tells  us  to  do  so. 

"Now  mamma  wants  her  dear  little  Patty 
to  enter  God's  happy  family  on  her  birthday. 
She  has,  many  thousand  times,  prayed  that 
you  might  be  there,  but  she  is  afraid  you  are 
not  yet,  and  she  wants  you  to  try  and  to  pray 
that  Grod  for  Christ's  sake  may  receive  you, 
and  write  your  name,  Martha  Rose  Sherman, 
among  the  long  list  of  his  dear  children  on  this 
your  birthday.  You  would  indeed  be  happy 
then  and  good,  and  mamma  would  never  be 
afraid  if  you  should  die,  because  she  would 
know  you  were  safe  with  your  Father  in  heav- 
en. Ask  your  kind  friends  who  are  taking  so 
much  trouble  to  teach  you,  to  pray  with  you 
to-day,  that  whatever  shuts  you  out  of  that 
family  may  be  taken  away.  You  love  to  make 
papa  and  mamma  happy,  do  you  not?  Now 
they  cannot  be  so,  while  they  think  you  are 
not  quite  sure  of  going  to  heaven;  you  are  not 
a  babe  now,  and  Jesus  tells  children  that  they 
may  come  to  him,  and  he  will  guide  them 
there.    How  dreadful  must  it  be,  not  to  regard 

Sherman.  10 


146 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


what  such  a  condescending  Saviour  says  ?  Let 
mamma  hear,  that  on  your  birthday  you  came 
to  Jesus,  to  make  you  his  own  child,  and  that 
from  that  day  you  were  always  trying  to  please 
and  honor  him.  Oh,  how  delighted  I  should 
be  to  hear  such  good  news  of  my  own  dear  lit- 
tle Patty.  All  send  their  love  and  kisses,  and 
hope  you  will  live  to  see  many  more  birthdays, 
and  that  each  one  may  see  you  serving  and 
loving  God :  none  but  God  loves  you  more 
than, 

"Your  very  affectionate  mamma, 

"MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

The  affliction  under  which  her  pious  mother 
long  labored,  sometimes  cast  a  dark  cloud  over 
a  spirit  ordinarily  happy  and  well  assured  of 
its  interest  in  Christ.  Her  daughter  thus  com- 
forts her  in  one  of  these  seasons  of  dejection: 

"How  sweet  it  is  to  know  that  redemption 
and  reconciliation  are  achieved  for  us,  entirely 
independent  of  any  merit  in  us ;  the  work  is 
complete  in  itself — it  is  for  us  to  receive  it — • 
and  though  faith  often  fails  to  discern  its  pos- 
session of  the  infinite  treasure,  the  faint  yet 
unquestionable  traces  of  the  slow  and  gradual 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  147 

progress  of  the  divine  image  in  the  soul,  in 
which  Satan's  likeness  was  once  too  evident, 
give  cause  for  peace  and  joy,  and  the  full  as- 
surance that  He  who  has  begun  the  good  work 
will  certainly  complete  it.  My  precious  mam- 
ma, you  cannot  look  into  that  mind  of  yours, 
and  say,  the  improvement  and  elevation  in  its 
thoughts,  its  tastes,  its  hopes,  its  desires,  and 
the  results  of  those  feelings,  are  but  the  effect 
of  self-cultivation  and  ordinary  enlargement  of 
mind.  Surely  the  yearning  of  the  soul  after 
God  and  holiness  his  own  blessed  Spirit  alone 
implanted  there. 

"Oh,  that  faith  were  ever  in  vigorous  exer- 
cise— how  would  it  aid  us  in  the  struggle 
against  Satan  without,  and  sin  within.  Once 
Satan  and  sin  dwelt  together  in  the  heart ;  but 
while  there  is  any  evidence  that  God  dwells 
there,  we  certainly  know  that  Satan  is  expel- 
led; and  though  his  wretched  design  is  to  seize 
the  opportunity  of  comparative  mental  weak- 
ness which  disease  occasions,  to  try  and  regain 
his  power,  there  is  One  far  above  him  ever 
watching  at  our  side,  and  when  weakest,  his 
compassionate  heart  gives  double  protection,  if 


148 


MARIHA  SHERMAN. 


faith's  dim  eye  could  but  discern  it.  Ah,  my 
own  mother,  yovir  title  is  clear  to  me;  would 
that  mine  were  but  as  clear.  Could  I  for  one 
moment  believe  that  any  part  of  my  salvation 
depended  on  me,  I  should  for  ever  despair ;  but 
I  have  the  assurance  that  the  provision  is  en- 
tirely made,  and  is  mine,  if  I  will  accept  it. 
My  confidence  is  strong  that  my  poor  sinful 
heart  is  'made  willing'  by  'His  power,'  and 
rejoices  in  every  acquirement  associated  with 
that  'free  gift,'  and  loves  more  and  more  the 
spirituality  of  the  law  of  God,  and  the  glories 
of  the  divine  character,  as  the  feeble  rays  of 
light  from  heaven  discover  them  more  and 
more  to  my  understanding.  Associated  as 
these  are  with  a  sinful,  polluted  heart,  I  dare 
not  say  I  have  wrought  even  the  very  little 
that  is  there,  which  resists  that  sinfulness  and 
abhors  that  pollution.  And  surely  you  have 
evidences  of  sanctification  that  my  poor  mind 
has  never  even  imagined,  much  less  possessed. 
Oh,  that  this  afflictive,  but  righteous  and  all- 
wise  dispensation,  may  purge  away  all  remain- 
ing dross,  and  make  you  unequivocally  reflect 
the  lovely  image  of  the  Crucified." 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  149 

The  next  note  is  addressed  to  a  young  friend, 
whose  marriage  took  place  on  the  very  day  Mrs. 
Sherman's  youngest  child  was  born,  and  shows 
her  impressions  of  the  duties  of  the  marriage 
relation. 

"Surrey  Parsonage,  June  10,  1844. 

"  My  dear  Friend — I  cannot  anticipate  the 
momentous  events  of  Thursday  next,  and  at 
the  same  time  the  equally  momentous  event 
which  may  previously  occur  to  me,  without 
expressing,  while  I  can,  my  deep  interest  in 
the  results  of  that  anxious  day,  and  my  most 
heartfelt  and  affectionate  prayers  that  you  may 
be  permitted  to  be  the  most  happy,  useful,  and 
honored  of  wives,  and  your  anticipated  hus- 
band prove  worthy  of  his  treasure,  and  be 
equally  happy,  honored,  and  useful.  The 
Christian's  ambition  in  every  new  undertaking, 
is  to  be  more  devoted,  more  entirely  conse- 
crated to  the  service  of  his  adored  Master  and 
Lord ;  and  I  believe  you  would  not  have  ven- 
tured upon  this  step,  had  you  not  believed  that 
such  would  be  the  result.  May  your  expecta- 
tions and  hopes  be  far  exceeded,  through  the 
rich  blessing  of  your  covenant  Grod,  and  may 


150 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


his  smile  ever  be  yours,  and  his  presence  ever 
fill  your  dwelling,  while  you  and  yours  never 
cease  to  be  '  His  habitation  through  the  Spirit.' 

"My  dear  friend  knows  that  one  of  the  im- 
portant duties  of  married  life  is,  the  cheerful 
sacrifice  of  self-gratification  for  the  pleasure 
of  each  other,  without  allowing  the  sacrifice  to 
be  recognized.  I  have  been  little  tried  in  this 
respect  with  my  most  precious  husband;  but 
•  I  never  make  such  efforts  without  an  abundant 
repayment  of  peace  of  mind,  and,  I  trust,  a 
blessing.  Such  is  perfectly  consistent,  I  think, 
with  unflinching  decision  of  character,  and 
firm  hold  of  what  is  right,  against  every  at- 
tempt to  draw  us  aside.  Such  trials  as  these 
you  are  not  likely  to  be  exposed  to,  as  my 
friend  has  chosen  a  decided  disciple  of  Christ. 
May  you  be  strengthened,  on  your  marriage- 
day,  more  especially  and  solemnly  to  renew 
your  consecration  to  Grod ;  this  will  greatly  re- 
lieve the  trials  of  that  which  was  to  me  a  ter- 
rible day.  Excuse  this  rough  little  witness  to 
the  sympathy  and  remembrance  of, 
"Your  very  attached  friend, 

"MARTHA  SHERMAN." 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  151 

A  serious  attack  brought  the  newly  born  in- 
fant very  near  the  borders  of  the  grave  before 
it  was  a  month  old,  and  the  exercise  of  her 
faith  and  patience  was  not  without  gracious 
fruit. 

"I  am  thankful  to  say  I  am  quite  well  and 
gaining  strength.  My  precious  babe  is,  I  trust, 
out  of  danger;  the  improvement  since  yester- 
day morning  is  very  satisfactory.  I  could  al- 
most fancy  the  dear  skeleton  limbs  had  re- 
covered a  small  portion  of  their  original  flesh ; 
she  has  been  smiling  so  sweetly  this  day  that 
it  seemed  to  tell  of  returning  health.  She  is 
so  perfectly  gentle,  and  in  the  midst  of  severe 
external  as  well  as  internal  suffering,  has  ex- 
hibited such  sweet  placidity,  that  it  has  re- 
quired no  ordinary  strength  to  say  from  the 
heart,  '  Thy  will  be  done ;'  but  how  often  do  we 
find  that  when  our  heavenly  Father  calls  us  to 
a  trial  we  never  had  before,  he  gives  us  grace 
and  strength  we  never  knew  before.  The  Re- 
finer never  removes  his  eye  from  the  furnace 
while  the  needed  fire  is  performing  its  work; 
the  tiny  piece  of  metal  was  not  too  small  for 
him  to  care  for,  when  he  thought  it  worth  put- 


152 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


ting  there;  and  it  is  a  great  comfort  in  sorrow 
to  remember  that  that  sorrow  is  an  indication 
that  he  is  noticing  us.  Which  of  his  children 
would  prefer  being  unnoticed,  rather  than  en- 
dure the  purifying  but  painful  evidences  of  his 
love  and  care  ?  0,  that  he  might  see  his  own 
image  clearly  reflected  in  the  unworthy  and 
unprofitable  heart  he  has  been  trying  so  pain- 
fully but  so  mercifully." 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS. 


163 


CHAPTER  VI. 

i)EATH    OF    HER    MOTHER —FORMATION  OF 
MISSIONARY  SEWING  SOCIETY. 

Only  six  weeks  elapsed  from  the  birth  of 
her  child,  before  she  was  called  to  witness  a 
long  expected  and  painful  event,  the  death  of 
her  excellent  mother.  She  had  been  for  years 
the  subject  of  disease,  which,  while  it  did  not 
lessen  her  activity,  produced  such  acute  suffer- 
ings as  drew  forth  the  sympathy  of  every  one 
who  witnessed  them.  Her  faithfulness  to  the 
friends  of  her  early  life,  her  hospitality  to  the 
servants  of  Christ,  her  services  for  the  Re- 
deemer's cause  amid  much  weakneSfe,  and  her 
devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  poor  of  the 
neighborhood,  have  embalmed  her  name  in  the 
hearts  of  those  who  came  within  the  circle  of 
her  influence.  To  her  daughter,  who  priaed 
her  judicious  counsels  as  one  of  her  best  earth- 
ly comforts,  she  was  very  precious.  Of  this 
event  she  thus  writes: 

"I  know  you  have  not  forgotten  your  poor 


154 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


unworthy  friend,  as  she  has  been  passing 
through  the  deep  waters,  and  the  promise  has 
not  been  forgotten  by  Him  who  gave  it,  '  I  will 
be  with  thee.'  Such  a  stroke,  before  my 
strength  was  regained,  might  have  been  over- 
whelming; but  my  faithful  God  sustained  me, 
permitted  me  to  cheer  the  dying  hours  of  my 
sainted  mother,  and  I  think  to  comfort  my  be- 
loved widowed  father.  But  how  shall  I  leave 
him  I  His  mind  shrinks  from  the  idea,  but 
home  has  its  duties,  and  responsible  duties 
too.  He  cannot  live  in  London,  I  cannot  live 
at  Enfield.  Tell  me,  my  dear  friend,  what  is 
my  duty;  I  have  no  sweet  mother's  counsels 
now.  I  feel  I  am,  indeed,  motherless.  0,  it 
is  a  painful  loss.  I  know  duty  caimot  clash 
with  duty,  but  I  want  discernment  to  discover 
what  is  duty,  and  which  path  to  take.  My 
dearest  papa  cUngs  to  me  so  fondly,  and  is 
comparatively  happy  while  I  am  with  him. 
He  has  never  been  separated  from  my  beloved 
mother  since  his  marriage,  except  for  two  days. 
You  may  suppose  how  desolate  he  will  feel. 
There  is  One  who  is  'a  very  present  help  in 
trouble;'  still,  the  absence  of  such  a  lovely 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  155 

character  as  he  has  lost,  can  never  be  made 
up  in  this  world.  May  it  endear  increasingly 
the  privilege  of  communion  with  his  heavenly 
Friend." 

During  the  years  over  which  these  events 
run,  she  maintained  the  even  tenor  of  her  way 
in  supporting,  by  her  correspondence  and  active 
exertions,  every  institution  in  connection  with 
Surrey  chapel,  and  as  far  as  her  opportunities 
extended,  the  cause  of  Christ  generally.  It 
often  happens  that  an  individual  has  some 
favorite  project,  which  he  advocates  to  the  for- 
getfulness  of  all  others  equally  useful ;  but  her 
love  to  her  Lord  was  of  that  universal  charac- 
ter, that  every  branch  of  his  cause  gained  her 
energies,  and  it  only  required  some  warm- 
hearted Christian,  who  knew  the  merits  of  the 
society  for  which  he  pleaded,  to  solicit  her  aid, 
and  her  whole  soul  was  immediately  thrown 
into  the  object.  Among  the  letters  of  this  pe- 
riod, numbers  were  written  expressly  to  solicit 
help  for  poor  ministers  of  Christ's  gospel,  and 
for  afflicted  and  impoverished  saints :  also  for 
the  London  Missionary,  the  British  and  Foreign 
Bible,  the  Christian  Instruction,  the  Maternal, 


156 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


the  Dorcas,  the  Clothing,  the  Jews,  the  City 
Mission,  the  Town  Mission,  the  Irish  Evangel- 
ical, and  the  Colonial  Missionary  Societies ; 
for  the  villages  around  Reading,  the  Sunday- 
schools,  the  School  of  Industry,  and  the  work- 
ing missionary  parties,  pleas  were  urged  and 
efforts  made,  as  if  every  thing  depended  on  her 
individual  efforts. 

To  give  her  numerous  epistles  on  various 
subjects  to  her  Christian  friends,  and  especially 
to  her  youthful  charge,  would  swell  this  vol- 
ume to  an  immoderate  size ;  and  yet  to  make 
an  extract  from  any  one  of  them  is  like  taking 
a  painting  out  of  its  frame,  for  the  purpose  of 
exhibiting  it,  but  at  the  same  time  conceaUng 
a  portion  of  the  subject. 

A  young  friend,  whose  heart  she  had  been 
instrumental  in  bringing  to  the  Saviour,  and 
who  reminded  her  of  that  as  the  cause  of  her 
ardent  affection,  extolling  the  feeble  agent 
more  than  she  thought  proper,  is  thus  gently 
admonished. 

"April  19,  1845. 

"I  have  a  perfect  horror  of  attributing  any 
good  to  my  own  exertions :  there  is  such  dan- 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  157 

ger  of  taking  to  ourselves  what  belongs  only  to 
God.  Look  at  it  as  you  will,  the  praise  must 
be  his  :  if  I  labor  ever  so  self-denyingly,  he 
first  put  into  my  heart  the  motive  and  the  de- 
sire to  do  so,  and  he  only  gives  the  strength ; 
therefore,  if  my  heart  says,  'I  brought  that 
sinner  to  Jesus;  I  helped  that  follower  of  the 
Saviour  on  her  way,'  I  immediately  fly  to  the 
blood  of  Christ,  for  pardon  for  that  self-glorify- 
ing thought  which  my  pride  and  ignorance 
suggested.  Ah,  it  is  sufficient  honor  to  be 
permitted  to  suffer  or  to  work  for  Christ ;  let 
not  pride  spoil  and  perhaps  deprive  us  of  the 
privilege,  by  robbing  him  of  his  glory.  What 
need  we  have  of  watchfulness ;  how  many 
undefended  parts  are  there  in  the  heart ;  and 
Satan  lulls  our  suspicions  by  his  plausible  at- 
tacks ;  therefore,  the  more  devoted  we  are  to 
God's  service,  the  more  we  have  need  to  watch, 
because  his  temptations  then  are  not  usually 
to  open  worldliness  and  evident  sin,  as  those 
are  not  congenial  to  a  mind  that  is  renewed, 
and  therefore  would  be  rejected  ;  but  he  tempts 
by  means  of  spiritual  things,  and  makes  the 
intended  blessing  often  prove  an  occasion  of 


158 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


sin.  So  it  was  with  St.  Paul :  the  revelations 
which  made  Isaiah  exclaim,  'Woe  is  me,  be- 
cause I  am  a  man  of  unclean  lips  ;  for  mine 
eyes  have  seen  the  King,  the  Lord  of  hosts,' 
proved  dangerous  to  the  humility  of  Paul,  to 
counteract  which  it  was  needful  for  him  to  have 
'  a  thorn  in  the  flesh ;'  and  if  the  holy  Paul 
was  thus  dependent,  how  much  more  must 
you  and  I  be  ?  0,  let  us  be  more  constant  in 
prayer  for  that  humility,  without  which  we 
are  never  safe.  We  must  be  'kept  by  the 
power  of  God  through  faith  unto  salvation,' 
or  we  shall  never  '  stand.' " 

A  zealous  disciple  belonging  to  her  class, 
whose  usefulness  was  not  small,  is  guided  by 
the  following  admirable  counsels  : 

"I  long  to  employ  your  active  mind  solidly  ; 
I  want  that  tongue  to  talk  indeed  for  Jesus, 
but  I  also  want  that  mind  and  judgment  to 
I'emember  that  '  there  is  a  time  to  talk,  and  a 
time  to  keep  silence.'  I  quite  understand  your 
feelings,  my  dear  child,  for  I  believe  I  have 
experienced  the  same  ;  but  while  I  would  not 
for  one  moment  check  or  damp  your  earnest- 
ness, I  want  you  to  control  it — to  keep  it  un- 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  159 

der  right  direction — to  be  prudent,  quiet,  and 
unobtrusive,  as  well  as  zealous  and  devoted. 
Here  is  the  difficulty,  I  knovi^,  with  a  warm 
heart ;  but  you  must  '  adorn  the  doctrine  of 
God  our  Saviour  in  all  things ;'  therefore, 
'avoid  the  appearance  of  evil,'  of  forwardness 
in  talking,  as  though  you  thought  yourself 
somebody  ;  this  sometimes  brings  an  ill  name 
on  a  youthful  Christian,  and  lessens  useful- 
ness. Now,  I  want  you  to  break  off  every 
habit  that  is  not  calculated  to  glorify  God. 

"If  you  are  a  favorite  in  the  class,  remem- 
ber this  is  an  additional  responsibility,  which 
calls  for  much  prayer,  lest  that  which  may  be 
an  instrument  of  extensive  usefulness  should 
prove  an  incentive  to  pride  and  glorying  in 
yourself.  Beware  of  this,  my  child  :  I  watch 
you  with  the  deepest' interest,  because  I  see 
■  such  excellent  materials  which  God  has  im- 
planted, not  you ;  and  if  not  directed  wisely 
and  by  divine  guidance,  they  may  do  as  much 
harm  as  good.  Be  much,  very,  very  much  ia 
prayer,  my  dear  girl,  that  you  may,  step  by 
step,  be  guided  by  infinite  wisdom  and  love, 
and  be  strengthened  to  '  let  your  light  so  shine 


160  MARTHA  SHJ;RMAK. 

before  men,  that  they  may  see  your  good  works, 
and  glorify,'  not  you,  but  'your  Father  which 
is  in  heaven.'  Thus  the  lowly  Jesus  acted, 
not  to  be  seen  of  men,  not  to  bring  glory  on 
his  own  glorious  head  :  throughout  his  whole 
history,  unwearying,  unbroken,  self-denying 
labor  marked  his  course ;  the  love  of  man's 
undying  soul  led  him  through  the  path  of 
sorrow,  from  the  manger  to  the  cross.  Now 
his  work  of  atonement  is  finished  ;  still,  he  is 
employed  as  our  Intercessor  before  the  throne, 
and  ere  long  '  all  nations  shall  call  him  blessed.' 
'  The  whole  earth  shall  be  filled  with  his  glory ;' 
'  thrones  and  dominions,  and  principalities  and 
powers,  shall  bow  before  him,  crying.  Blessing 
and  honor,  etc.,  to  him  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne,  and  to  the  Lamb,  for  ever.'  May  we 
be  among  them,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of 
"Your  affectionate  friend, 

''MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

To  another,  who  objected  taking  an  oath  be- 
fore a  magistrate,  and  asked  her  opinion,  she 
writes, 

"The  same  sacred  guide  that  says,  'Swear 
not  at  all,'  says,  'An  oath  for  confirmation  is 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS 


161 


an  end  of  all  strife.'  You  are  therefore  per- 
forming a  Christian  duty,  under  these  circum- 
stances, in  taking  the  solemn  oath  that  you 
will  speak  only  the  truth.  The  necessity  of 
this  oath  is  repeatedly  shown  in  scripture  his- 
tory; the  interests  of  a  fellow-creature  are  in 
a  degree  in  the  hands  of  another,  in  such  a 
case,  and  it  is  necessary  to  secure  even  a  guilty 
person  from  false  accusation  and  misrepresen- 
tation ;  and  as  there  are  certain  regulations  for 
all  classes  of  society,  and  not  a  special  one  for 
conscientious  persons,  your  duty  is  to  'suhmit 
to  the  higher  powers,'  as  'ordained  of  God.' 
You  see  this  is  very  different  from  taking  'the 
name  of  God  in  vain.' " 

The  next  is  a  note  of  consolation  directed  to 
one  of  her  class  in  the  hospital: 

"You  remember  the  beautiful  first  Psalm; 
the  Christian  is  there  compared  to  a  tree  that 
brings  forth  his  fruit  'in  his  season;'  he  has 
sometimes  a  time  of  affliction,  then  the  fruit 
of  submission  and  self-examination  is  in  sea- 
son; sometimes  a  time  of  prosperity,  then  the 
fruit  of  watchfulness  and  prayer  is  in  season , 
sometimes  a  time  of  temptation,  then  the  fruit 

Sberman.  1 1 


162 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


of  faith  and  close-cleaving  to  Christ  is  in  sea- 
son; sometimes  a  time  of  spiritual  indolence 
and  self-indulgence,  then  the  fruit  of  repent- 
ance and  self-abasement  is  in  season.  At  all 
times,  faith,  repentance,  and  love  are  in  season ; 
and  when  they  wither,  it  is  evident  the  tree 
wants  watering  with  copious  showers  of  divine 
influence.  Prayer,  as  in  Elijah's  case,  must 
open  the  windows  of  heaven,  which  have  been 
closed,  that  there  may  be  an  '  abundance  of 
rain.'  Then  how  sweet  to  know  that  the  heav- 
enlv  Grardener  is  watchins^  and  training  this 
little  tree  :  through  his  intercession,  it  has  not 
been  cut  down,  and  his  blood  has  purchased 
the  blessings  it  needs  to  revive  and  sustain  it. 
May  you  and  I  bring  forth  much  fruit  to  his 
glory." 

A  servant  who  had  tasted  largely  of  the 
grace  of  G-od,  longed  to  become  a  missionary 
to  the  heathen;  but  Providence  did  not  appear 
to  countenance  the  desire  by  opening  a  path, 
and  she  is  thvis  sweetly  instructed : 

'•Surrey  Parsonage,  Sept.  27,  1S45. 

"  My  dear  Child — I  rejoice  to  hear  you  have 
obtained  a  situation,  and  as  I  find  the  class  will 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS. 


163 


not  meet  to-morrow,  on  account  of  the  teach- 
ers' meeting,  I  cannot  help  writing  to  you  to 
urge  upon  you  the  necessity  and  duty  of  not 
allowing  your  burning  desire  to  work  for  God, 
to  interfere  with  your  diligent  performance  of 
the  duties  of  your  present  situation.  You 
glorify  Grod  most,  by  diligently  and  as  in  his 
sight  performing  the  duties  devolving  on  you 
in  the  sphere  in  which  it  has  pleased  him  to 
place  you.  If  your  heart  is  so  set  upon  a  cer- 
tain way  of  serving  him,  that  you  fail  to  serve 
him  in  any  other,  you  prove  yourself  unfit  to 
serve  him  at  all.  I  long  for  you  thoroughly  to 
understand  this :  you  show  your  love  by  bear- 
ing, as  well  as  doing  his  will,  and  by  doing 
whatever  he  gives  you  to  perform.  It  may  be 
that  by  thus  calling  you  to  a  work  so  different 
from  that  which  you  desire,  he  is  proving  and 
exercising  you,  in  order  to  prepare  you  for 
work  of  another  kind.  If  diligent  in  his  ser- 
vice, you  will  be  diligent  in  serving  those 
whom  he  appoints  you  to  serve.  If  your  one 
desire  is  to  please  him,  it  will  make  you  as 
diligent  in  scouring,  dusting,  and  sweeping,  as 
in  distributing  tracts — as  anxious  to  be  as  a 


164 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


Christian  a  pattern  of  neatness,  punctuality, 
and  order,  in  your  situation  here,  as  if  you 
were  a  missionary  to  the  heathen ;  you  will 
labor  to  work  well  with  your  hands,  that  you 
may  be  able  to  work  for  him  in  whatever  way 
he  chooses. 

"This  is  your  school,  where  you  are  fitting 
for  future  life:  if  inefficient  and  inferior  in 
your  services,  you  are  not  yet  qualified  for 
superior  work.  Get  perfect  in  your  present 
occupation,  whatever  it  may  be,  and  this  will 
tend  to  qualify  you  in  body  and  mind  for  any 
service  to  which  you  may  be  called.  Till  you 
perform  household  duties  well,  you  are  unfit  to 
be  a  valuable  missionary.  But  do  not  press  so 
much  any  particular  path.  God  knows  your 
desire,  my  dear  child,  and  says,  'It  was  well 
that  it  was  in  thy  heart,'  and  if  he  sees  fit,  can 
yet  give  you  your  wish.  There  leave  it,  simply 
seeking  to  do  his  will.  Do  strive  to  be  in  every 
way  a  treasure  to  your  employers.  Cultivate 
great  neatness  and  cleanliness  in  your  work 
and  in  your  appearance.  All  these  things  are 
pleasing  to  God,  especially  when  done  to  please 
him.    God  abundantly  bless  and  teach  you, 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS. 


165 


and  give  you  your  heart's  desire  to  work,  to 
live,  to  die  for  him,  is  the  prayer  of 

"Your  affectionate  friend, 

"MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

The  following  letter  to  a  young  Christian 
who  sought  her  advice,  is  so  excellent  that  the 
reader  would  scarcely  pardon  its  abridgment: 

"Surrey  Parsonage,  March  20,  1845. 

"  My  very  dear  Child — Though  my  time  is 
very  fully  occupied,  those  are  my  happiest  that 
are  my  busiest  days.  Since  it  is,  I  trust,  the 
supreme  desire  of  my  heart  to  'do  all  to  the 
glory  of  God,'  to  use  my  tongue,  my  pen,  my 
influence,  my  all  in  his  service,  therefore  a  let- 
ter to  my  sweet  friend,  to  help  her  instrumen- 
tally  in  her  way  to  '  the  kingdom,'  comes  most 
pleasurably  into  the  employments  of  this  day. 
When  I  look  within,  at  my  own  'exceeding 
sinfulness,'  at  the  little  grace,  the  tiny  portion 
of  knowledge  I  possess,  the  coldness  of  my 
heart,  and  its  lifelessness  in  the  service  of  Him 
who  gave  himself  for  me,  I  am  ready  to  say. 
Can  I  indeed  be  of  the  happy  number  of  those 
who  'are  bought  with  a  price,'  and  who  there- 
fore are  sweetly  constrained  by  the  love  of  Him 


166 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


who  bought  them,  'to  glorify  God  with  their 
bodies  and  their  spirits,  which  are  his?'  But 
one  look  at  the  cross  of  Jesus,  at  the  wonder- 
ful union  of  every  attribute  of  Deity  in  the 
accomplishment  of  the  redemption  of  the  world; 
makes  me  feel  that,  worthless  as  I  am,  He  can 
save  me,  and  by  my  salvation  glorify  his  own 
name.  And  if  in  my  heart,  in  the  midst  of  all 
my  guilt,  there  is  one  all-prevailing  determina- 
tion to  be  his,  to  'follow  the  Lamb,'  to  give 
glory  to  none  but  him,  he  only  gave  me  that 
disposition,  mingled  as  it  is  with  corruption; 
and  he  who  has  thus  proved  the  commence- 
ment of  his  work  in  me,  will  assuredly  not 
relinquish  it,  unless  I  grieve  him  away  by 
neglect  and  rebellion.  And  if  he  have  so  far 
gained  my  heart,  he  will  not  leave  it-  thus  to 
return  to  its  former  rebellion ;  his  influence 
there  will  gradually  drive  out  sin,  and  restore 
his  own  image.  You  see  I  am  writing  to  you 
about  myself,  but  I  do  so  because  I  think  you 
express  the  same  discouragement  that  I  often 
feel,  and  I  would  encourage  you  from  the  same 
source  whence  I  have  been  enabled  to  receive 
comfort.    To  a  mind  really  thirsting  after  Grod, 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  167 

I  may  thus  give  encouragement  ;  but  to  one 
whose  indecision,  whose  efforts  to  unite  the 
service  of  God  and  the  world,  occasion  doubts, 
I  should  write  very  differently. 

"You  ask,  'Does  a  true  Christian  ever  feel 
disinclination  to  serve  God?'  I  certainly  should 
say,  and  so  would  you,  the  habitual  disincli- 
nation must  prove  an  unrenewed  mind ;  but 
where  this  is  the  exception,  not  the  rule,  occa- 
sioning bitter  grief,  humiliation  before  God, 
and  prayerful  resistance  to  it — this  certainly  is 
consistent  with  the  Christian's  conflict  with 
sin  and  Satan.  The  many  blissful  anticipa- 
tions of  the  heavenly  world  include  the  per- 
petual service  of  God,  without  weariness  or 
lifelessness ;  and  I  think  that  in  proportion  as 
'we  'grow  in  grace,'  we  shall  catch  more  of  the 
spirit  of  heaven  in  this,  as  well  as  in  every 
other  respect.  It  is  a  great  stimulus  to  exer- 
tion to  think  of  heaven — its  holiness,  its  em- 
ployments, and  above  all  of  Him  who  is  its 
glory ;  this  makes  me  long  to  begin  and  prac- 
tise its  occupations,  however  faintly,  and  to 
seek  that  others  may  glorify  Him  that  sits  on 
the  throne,  and  share  with  me  the  sweet  joys 


168 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


of  even  the  baby  efforts  to  serve  and  praise  him. 
0,  the  very  thought  of  heaven  sweetens  every 
thing  here ;  every  trial  and  cross,  every  event, 
seems  sweet  from  the  conviction  that  all  is 
designed  to  help  us  on  our  way  thither,  to  call 
out  by  test  our  character,  that  we  may  dis- 
cover what  we  are;  to  strengthen  our  'faith 
and  love  and  every  grace'  by  exercise  and 
trial,  and  to  endear  to  us  the  price  of  our  re- 
demption, the  precious  word  of  Grod,  oar  guide 
to  heaven,  and  the  blessed  Spirit  who  takes  of 
the  things  of  Christ  and  shows  them  to  us. 

"I  think  it  is  a  great  help  to  the  discovery 
of  our  own  character,  to  cultivate  a  constant 
habit  of  self-inspection,  asking  ourselves  our 
motives  for  certain  actions  of  the  day,  and  our 
reasons  for  certain  shrinkings  from  duty.  Like 
any  other  habit,  it  may  to  a  certain  extent 
become  a  form,  so  that  we  use  it  almost  me- 
chanically; but  supposing  this,  we  yet  must 
glean  even  at  the  worst  some  acquaintance 
with  ourselves,  and  some  matter  for  prayer. 
This  must  not  supersede  that  self-examination 
whi^h  should  accompany  the  regular  seasons 
for  devotion;  this  habit  greatly  facilitates  it. 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS. 


169 


leads  through  the  day  to  mental  prayer,  con- 
fession, and  praise,  and  affords  mu^h  help  in 
bringing  these  matters  afresh  before  God,  giv- 
ing to  him  the  glory  due  for  assistance  in  duties, 
as  well  as  mourning  over  omissions. 

"Keep  in  mind,  dear,  that  you  are  Christ's 
servant,  and  that  you  have  to  glorify  him  not 
only  in  acts  strictly  religious,  but  also  by  dili- 
gently performing  the  duties  of  your  vocation, 
whatever  it  may  be.  The  true  leaven  leavens 
the  whole  lump.  Religion  consists  in  the 
exercise  of  holy  principles ;  therefore  no  exter- 
nal consecration  to  the  service  of  God  is  owned 
of  him,  if  not  the  result  of  the  hallowed  prin- 
ciples which  he  by  his  Spirit  imparts  when  he 
regenerates  the  mind.  Now,  we  can  certainly 
by  faithful  self-scrutiny  ascertain  what  are  the 
motives  which  induce  certain  conduct,  and 
when  the  affections  of  the  heart  towards  God 
are  cold,  and  lifelessness  robs  us  of  all  enjoy- 
ment in  duty,  still  let  us  equally  pursue  it, 
guided  by  the  same  holy  principles,  though 
not  wafted  along  by  the  sweet  gales  of  love. 

"With  every  Christian  while  in  this  world 
there  will  be  great  alternations  of  feeling;  but 


170 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


religion  itself  does  not  depend  on  feeling.  Of 
course,  i^jg  exercise  is  greatly  assisted  by  a 
warm  and  glowing  heart,  but  the  cold  day  of  a 
Christian's  life  tests  the  sincerity  of  his  obe- 
dience. If  we  serve  Him,  approach  him,  and 
speak  of  him  only  when  the  heart  is  warm, 
there  is  reason  to  fear  the  flame  of  our  piety 
may  soon  be  extinguished.  But  when  coldness 
in  Grod's  service  grieves  us,  or  if  we  cannot 
grieve,  that  very  thing  distresses  us^  and  we 
labor  to  discover  the  cause  and  apply  the  rem- 
edy— that  precious  blood  which  cleanses  from 
all  sin,  and  that  divine  influence  which  first 
quickened  the  soul  to  spiritual  life — I  think 
,hese  are  indubitable  marks  of  the.  Spirit's 
work  on  the  heart,  and  of  adoption  into  God's 
happy  redeemed  family.  A  deeper  acquaint- 
ance with  our  own  hearts,  and  with  Him  who 
redeemed  us,  and  a  gi'owing  conformity  to  him 
in  our  whole  character  and  conduct,  are  evi- 
dences which  we  cannot  question ;  they  neces- 
sarily include  repentance,  faith,  and  love,  and 
every  other  Christian  exercise.  May  you  and 
I  experience  to  the  full  the  extent  of  Christ's 
glorious  work,  and  be  strengthened  to  win  all 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS. 


171 


around  us,  both  by  example  and  effort,  ta 
Jesus. 

"Believe  me,  my  sweet  child, 
"Your  very  affectionate  friend, 

"  MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

A  young  person  who  had  been  singled  out 
from  an  ungodly  family  by  the  grace  of  God, 
had  become  the  subject  of  parental  opposition. 
She  had  arrived  at  years  of  discretion,  and  gave 
no  cause  of  complaint  at  home,  except  concern- 
ing the  law  of  her  God.  Among  other  annoy- 
ances, she  was  prohibited  by  her  mother  from 
attending  any  religious  services  during  the  week. 
She  asks  for  advice,  and  is  thus  instructed : 

"I  have  consulted  with  Mr.  Sherman,  my 
dear  young  friend,  on  the  subject  which  occa- 
sions you  so  much  anxiety ;  and  he  is  of  opin- 
ion that  it  is  not  your  duty  to  give  up  your 
week-day  privileges,  for  these  reasons.  First, 
the  commandment  is,  to  'obey  in  the  Lord;', 
therefore,  when  the  parental  command  is  to 
abstain  from  the  use  of  those  blessings  and 
privileges  which  God  has  put  within  your 
reach,  or  to  do  that  which  is  displeasing  to 
him,  obedience  then  would  not  be  in  the  Lord. 


172 


I 

MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


Secondly,  if  no  other  duty  is  neglected  by  your 
attendance  at  the  house  of  prayer  in  the  week, 
the  requirement  is  unreasonable;  therefore,  as 
you  are  of  an  age  to  judge  what  is  proper  or 
otherwise,  obedience  to  a  command  which 
arises  from  improper  motives  and  causes  is  not 
binding.  Thirdly,  in  the  situation  in  which 
you  are  placed,  where  every  effort  is  made  to 
destroy  the  holy  principles  which  the  Spirit 
of  God  has  implanted  in  your  heart,  you  need 
strength  and  assistance  in  your  Christian 
course  from  every  divinely  appointed  means ; 
and  as  God  must  be  dishonored  by  a  lifeless, 
uninfluential  profession  of  his  name,  it  is  your 
duty  to  use  every  help  to  prevent  dishonoring 
him,  and  to  cultivate  that  exalted  piety  which 
shall  glorify  him  continually.  This  is,  I  think, 
his  candid  opinion,  and  on  second  thoughts  I 
quite  agree  with  him;  still,  I  feel  your  situa- 
tion is  an  extremely  delicate  one,  especially  as 
reference  was  made  to  the  fifth  command,  in 
connection  with  your  profession  of  religion. 

"I  think  your  resolution  should  be  stated  to 
your  mother,  after  much  prayer  both  for  your- 
self and  for  her,  and  with  much  Christian  love 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  173 

and  respect,  remembering  that  obedience  is 
required  except  where  the  command  interferes 
with  God's  commands;  and  I  would  advise 
you  to  state  your  reasons  for  acting  contrary  to 
her  desire.  May  this  severe  trial,  my  dear 
child,  be  sanctified  to  you.  Your  heavenly 
Father  would  not  permit  it,  were  it  not  neces- 
sary to  make  you  partaker  of  his  holiness. 
Pray  to  be  enabled  to  view  it  as  the  apostle 
viewed  all  his  trials.  2  Cor.  4:17,  18.  Look 
through  the  trial,  and  beyond  it,  to  its  gracious 
design.  Be  more  anxious  that  it  may  be  sanc- 
tified than  removed,  and  think  more  of  the 
distressing  condition  of  the  persecutor's  soul, 
than  of  the  distress  she  occasions  you.  May 
God  give  you  grace  and  strength  to  glorify  him 
in  the  fires." 

Soon  after  her  connection  with  Surrey  chapel 
she  induced  several  young  ladies  of  the  con- 
gregation to  form  themselves  into  a  party,  who 
should  meet  once  a  month  at  each  other's 
houses,  to  make  fancy  articles  and  useful 
clothing,  to  be  sent  out  to  a  selected  station  of 
the  London  Missionary  Society,  either  as  gifts, 
or  to  be  sold  there  for  the  benefit  of  its  local 


174 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


operations.  Most  of  these  young  persons  being 
also  members  of  the  monthly  Bible-class,  they 
had  at  these  meetings,  in  addition  to  their 
ordinary  spiritual  tuition,  the  presence  and 
assistance  of  their  invaluable  president,  when- 
ever opportunity  permitted.  Her  letters  to 
them  of  various  dates  and  from  various  places, 
shoAV  how  much  she  sympathized  in  missionary 
eftbrts,  and  how  earnestly  she  wished  a  mis- 
sionary spirit,  as  the  result  of  lively  and  fervid 
piety,  to  be  manifested  among  her  young  friends. 
Two  extracts  from  letters,  one  without  date, 
and  the  other  while  residing  at  Griifenberg, 
exhibit  her  faithfulness  to  her  Lord,  and  her 
watchfulness  over  her  charge. 

"  The  last  object  of  my  letter,  though  not  the 
least,  was  to  inquire  if  it  can  possibly  be  true 
that  3'our  numbers  and  your  zeal  are  dimin- 
ishing. I  would  hope  it  is  a  mistake,  as  I  can 
scarcely  suppose  that  when  we  are  called  to 
renew  our  energies  in  order  to  meet  the  increas- 
ing demand  for  missionaries,  to  be  more  earnest 
in  prayer,  and  to  cultivate  in  every  way  a 
missionary  spirit,  the  young  people  of  Surrey 
chapel  are  holding  back.    Nothing  would  grieve 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  175 

me  more  than  to  hear  that  you  are  not  increas- 
ing in  zeal,  in  numbers,  and  in  spirituality. 
If  the  cross  meet  us,  and  difficulties  assail  us, 
we  must  not  shrink  from  either,  but  bear  in 
mind  that  it  is  the  cause  of  Christ — of  him 
who  purchased  us  with  his  own  blood— in 
which  we  are  engaged,  and  each  must  stimu- 
late others,  and  do  all  in  her  power  to  aid  his 
work,  and  to  hasten  on  the  glorious  promised 
day  when  all  shall  know  him  from  the  least  to 
the  greatest.  Be  cautious  that  in  your  meet- 
ings you  never  forget  the  object  for  which  you 
assemble,  namely,  to  aid  the  missionary  cause 
by  your  industry,  and  to  promote  a  missionary 
spirit  in  each  other.  Gruard  against  desultory 
conversation,  as  this  will  necessarily  defeat  the 
design  for  which  you  meet.  May  the  God  of 
love  fill  you  with  his  Spirit,  and  grant  that  the 
love  of  Christ  may  constrain  you. 

"I  write  what  is  nearest  my  heart,  rathei 
than  news  of  this  wonderful  place,  because 
that  intelligence  you  have  received  from  other 
quarters.  I  have  heard  with  great  regret  that 
tbe  little  missionary  working  party  is  not  well 
attended.    Give  my  most  affectionate  love  to 


17G 


alARTHA  SHERMAN. 


the  young  ladies,  and  tell  them,  that  if  I  could 
have  hoped  to  find  them  all  assembled,  to  con- 
tribute by  their  industry  and  by  increased  ac- 
quaintance with  the  importance  of  missionary 
operations,  to  send  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation 
to  the  millions  who  are  perishing  in  ignorance 
of  the  only  way  of  salvation,  I  should  have 
said,  '  Go  on,  not  mechanically,  but  as  work- 
ing for  Him  whose  cause  you  are  bound  by 
every  tie  to  promote.'  It  is  not  a  matter  of 
choice,  whether  you  may  or  may  not  unite 
your  energies  to  bring  on  the  promised  time 
when  all  shall  know  him  from  the  least  to  the 
greatest,  and  to  send  to  your  perishing  fellow- 
creatures  the  same  gospel  which,  in  your  hap- 
pier land,  is  so  universally  known  and  pro- 
claimed ;  but  this  is  your  duty  under  whatever 
circumstances  you  may  be  placed.  It  is  not 
the  hard  bondage  of  a  slave  to  a  tyrannical 
master :  0,  no ;  it  is  the  constraining  influence 
of  the  love  of  Christ,  which  calls  us  to  remem- 
ber his  own  words,  '  He  that  gathereth  not  with 
me  scattereth  abroad.' 

"The  mind  in  which  a  hope  exists  that  a 
Saviour's  dying  love  has  procured  its  deliver- 


BENE-VOLENT  LABORS. 


177 


ance  from  the  curse  of  God,  and  united  it  to 
him  in  bonds  of  hallowed  friendship,  and  that 
believes  the  satisfaction  he  has  made  to  the 
divine  justice  avails  for  every  creature  that 
will  embrace  his  salvation,  surely  such  a  mind 
must  pant  to  make  known  the  glad  tidings  in 
some  way.  However  humble  the  contribution 
be,  whether  of  money,  time,  talents,  or  prayers, 
it  must  be  esteemed  a  rich  privilege  to  have 
any  thing  to  do  with  the  great  work.  Oh,  I 
desire  no  other  influence  than  that  which 
springs  from  the  love  of  a  crucified  Saviour. 
Let  this  love  but  dwell  habitually  in  the  heart, 
and  constantly  guide  its  possessor,  and  I  fear 
not  the  want  of  a  missionary  spirit.  Let  us, 
my  dear  friend,  be  more  earnest  in  prayer  for 
the  reviving  influences  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  to 
make  us  more  decided  for  God,  more  unflinch- 
ing in  our  obedience,  more  established  in  the 
truth  of  the  gospel.  I  long  for  the  time  when 
my  dear  young  people  shall  truly  be  '  living 
epistles,  known  and  read  of  all.'  There  must 
be  much  secret  prayer,  much  devotional  study 
of  the  sacred  volume,  to  discover  the  glorious 
character  of  God,  and  much  self-scrutiny,  if 

Sheim.n  1  2 


178  MARTHA  SHERMAN. 

we  would  be  Christians  indeed.  How  mourn- 
ful would  it  he,  if  owned  of  the  church  of  God 
on  earth,  but  disowned  by  its  great  Head.  The 
piercing  words,  '  If  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit 
of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his ' — '  Without  holi- 
ness no  man  shall  see  the  Lord' — call  loudly  to 
us  to  'examine  whether  we  be  in  the  faith.' 
To  be  happy  Christians,  we  must  be  growing 
in  'grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.'" 

There  lies  before  the  writer  a  heap  of  notes, 
which,  from  an  ordinary  hand,  would  have 
been  mere  notices  that  the  meeting  was  to  be 
held  at  her  house,  with  an  invitation  to  attend 
on  the  day  appointed;  but  Mrs.  Sherman  made 
each  a  vehicle  of  some  important  advice,  cau- 
tion, or  exhortation,  adapted  specially  to  the 
case  of  the  young  person  to  whom  it  was  ad- 
dressed, intended  to  form  habits  which  would 
adorn  the  Christian  lady,  while  the  cause  of 
Christ  among  the  heathen  was  ardently  pro- 
moted.   One  will  serve  as  a  specimen. 

"  I  am  anticipating  the  pleasure  of  receiving 
the  missionary  working-party  on  Wednesday, 
the  27th,  when,  I  trusty  my  dear  young  friend, 


BEKEVOLENT  LABORS.  179 

nothing  will  prevent  your  attendance;  and 
may  I  add,  I  hope  each  will  be  in  the  dining- 
room  at  one  minute  before  ten.  I  love  punctu- 
ality, because  I  think  it  is  among  the  '  IdVely ' 
things  which  the  Christian  is  to  pursue.  God 
is  a  being  of  perfect  order  in  all  his  arrange- 
ments; and  in  proportion  as  the  power  of  sin 
is  weakened,  and  the  divine  likeness  progress- 
ing in  the  soul,  we  shall  find  these  things  rise 
in  importance  in  our  estimation,  and  nothing 
will  be  regarded  as  too  little  to  exercise  our 
efforts,  which  may  in  the  tiniest  degree  ad- 
vance us  nearer  to  the  image  of  Grod.  A  mind 
that  is  truly  great,  spurns  not  the  little  things 
which  have — as  all  must  have — power  to  influ- 
ence its  habits,  and  to  promote  its  true  loveli- 
ness. Let  us,  my  dear  friend,  labor  after 
eminent  Christian  consistency,  and  a  close 
walk  with  God,  that  we  may  learn  more  of  his 
character  and  will,  and  'grow  up  into  him  in 
all  things.'  I  am  very  anxious  to  see  more 
fruit  arise  out  of  our  little  party,  which  was 
designed  to  promote  personal  and  relative  piety, 
as  well  as  a  missionary  spirit;  these  objects 
cannot  be  advanced  by  merely  meeting  together ; 


180  MARTHA  SHERMAN. 

much  prayer  must  accompany  any  efforts  or 
means,  that  the  blessing  may  be  bestowed.  And 
I  trust  that  the  spirit  of  prayer  and  effort  may  be 
granted  to  us  all  at  our  anticipated  meeting." 

Mrs.  Sherman  had  long  felt  that  this  little 
happy  missionary  party  was  not  sufficiently 
extensive  to  represent  all  the  females  of  the 
congregation,  and  she  therefore  wished  to  form 
another,  to  embrace  every  class.  She  believed 
that  where  fervent  piety  exists,  it  will  make  its 
possessor  anxious  to  save  the  souls  of  others; 
and  as  the  miseries  and  wants  of  the  heathen 
are  brought  before  the  Christian,  his  piety  will 
increase,  and  his  sympathy  and  love  be  drawn 
out  for  their  deliverance.  Her  own  spirit  was 
eminently  missionary. 

"I  gain  much,"  she  writes,  "by  union  with 
the  Missionary  Society;  for  what  little  piety  I 
have  is  greatly  increased  by  the  accounts  for- 
warded, month  by  month,  of  its  operations  in 
heathen  lands.  I  learn  how  grace  can  triumph 
over  the  most  degraded  specimens  of  my  race; 
I  see  how  missionaries,  my  brethren  and  sis- 
ters, can,  amidst  privation  and  suffering  wholly 
unknown  to  us,  'endure  as  seeing  him  who  is 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS. 


181 


invisible ;'  I  behold  real  religion  producing  the 
same  gracious  effects  in  the  untutored  savage, 
when  it  once  gains  an  entrance,  as  in  the  most 
refined ;  and  above  all,  I  have  proof  furnished 
that  Christ  confines  not  the  manifestation  of  his 
love  to  any  particular  class  of  men  or  station, 
but  gives  to  the  barbarian,  bond  or  free,  sup- 
port in  trouble,  comfort  strong  and  abiding,  and 
visions  of  glory  which  enable  them  to  die  tri- 
umphantly. Who  can  read  the  accounts  of  the 
sacrifices  which  these  newly  awakened  Chris- 
tians make,  the  persecutions  they  endure,  their 
glorious  translations  to  another  world,  without 
rejoicing  in  the  sufliciency  of  the  atonement, 
the  efficacy  of  the  Spirit's  work,  and  the  sure 
foundation  laid  for  the  confidence  and  joy  of 
every  sinner  under  heaven?  I  am  sure  I  love 
Jesus  Christ  more  every  missionary  meeting  I 
attend.  I  therefore  ought  to  support  missionary 
enterprises,  because  I  gain  much  by  them." 

With  such  views,  it  will  not  create  surprise 
that  she  was  anxious  to  promote  a  similai 
spirit  universally  among  professing  Christians, 
and  especially  among  females,  that  for  their 
own  sakes  they  might  inculcate  on  the  minds 


182 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


of  their  children  and  relatives  lessons  of  love 
to  the  heathen.  Yet  she  saw  and  felt  the  force 
of  many  objections  urged  by  some  whose  piety 
could  not  be  questioned,  and  who  had  already 
manifested  their  decided  attachment  to  mis- 
sionary effort.  In  order  to  give  them  an  op- 
portunity of  stating  their  reasons  against  the 
formation  of  a  more  indiscriminate  assembly, 
and  to  hear  the  arguments  of  others  in  its  fa- 
vor, with  her  usual  prudence  she  summoned  a 
meeting  for  conference  and  prayer,  the  result 
and  improvement  of  which  she  sent  to  her 
Sunday  afternoon  class  in  the  following  judi- 
cious letter: 

"Surrey  Parsonage,  October  18,  1845. 

"I  mentioned  to  you,  my  beloved  young 
friends,  that  I  expected  to  meet  several  friends 
on  the  proposed  plan  of  forming  a  missionary 
working  association  for  the  congregation  gen- 
erally, whether  young  or  old,  rich  or  poor,  who 
would  subscribe  to  it  from  a  shilling  a  year 
and  upwards.  Accordingly,  those  who  were 
against  it,  as  well  as  those  who  were  for  it, 
consulted  together,  and  the  friends  in  favor  of 
it  succeeded;  but  as  there  is,  alas,  no  perfec- 


BENEVOLENT  LABORS.  183 

tion  here,  and  the  best  designs  may  prove  evil 
if  not  judiciously  carried  out,  I  feel  particular- 
ly anxious  that  the  objections  which  have  been 
suggested  as  likely  to  prevail  may  be  doubly 
guarded  against.  It  is  probable  that  many 
among  my  dear  class  may  join  the  society,  and 
as  I  hope  I  have  a  degree  of  influence  over 
them,  which  I  have  not  over  others  less  known 
to  me,  I  am  anxious  to  use  that  influence  to 
guard  them  against  the  abuse  of  that  which 
may,  rightly  used,  prove  a  great  privilege. 

"The  danger  which  many  friends  anticipate 
is,  that  home  duties  less  agreeable  than  these 
little  meetings  will  be  neglected;  that  the 
young  people  will  be  tempted  to  leave  to  their 
mothers  the  share  of  domestic  employments 
which  properly  devolves  on  the  daughters, 
whose  pleasure  it  ought  to  be  not  only  to  do 
what  they  must,  but  all  they  can,  to  help  their 
parents.  I  see  how  possible  it  is  that  this  may 
be  the  case,  and  therefore  warn  my  dear  young 
friends  in  the  class,  who  know  my  opinions  of 
the  fallacy  and  emptiness  of  that  profession  of 
religion  which  is  not  accompanied  by  gTeat 
diligence  in  every  duty  of  our  station.    My  ob- 


164 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


ject  in  desiring  this  society  is,  that  personal 
piety  may  he  promoted,  hy  a  greater  acquaint- 
ance with  the  sufferings  and  privations  of  the 
heathen,  who  are  'without  Grod  in  the  world.' 
My  plan,  therefore,  is  to  keep  the  subject  of 
missions  only  before  us  all  the  time  we  are  to- 
gether ;  to  meet  from  five  to  eight  in  the  even- 
ing once  a  month;  to  get  a  missionary  when- 
ever we  can;  and  when  we  cannot,  to  select 
reading  on  the  subjects  of  interest  connected 
with  the  station  for  which  we  are  working. 
As  Christians  are  to  set  an  example  to  the  hea- 
then, I  am  very  anxious  that  the  needlework 
be  good,  and  worthy  of  happy  English  women. 

"The  particulars  and  rules  will  shortly  be 
printed,  when  you  shall  see  them,  and  sub- 
scribers be  supplied  with  them.  AVe  hope  to 
commence  the  first  week  in  January,  each 
subscriber  to  receive  a  card  to  bi'ing  in  as  many 
more  subscribers  to  the  society,  the  London 
Missionary  Society,  I  mean,  as  we  can  procure. 
I  shall  be  glad  if  my  dear  class  will  make  it 
known  as  far  as  they  can,  as  I  am  not  sure 
that  it  can  be  publicly  announced.  Now,  let 
my  dear  friends  unitedly  supplicate  a  blessing 


iiiiiMK  VOliliJN  I  -LAiSUKS.  ISO 

on  this  new  effort  to  promote  a  missionary 
spirit  among  us.  In  proportion  as  we  grow 
in  the  divine  Ukeness,  the  objects  that  are  dear 
to  the  eternal  Mind  are  dear  to  us.  His  one 
intense  desire  is  the  salvation  of  a  ruined  world, 
by  sending  it  the  glad  tidings  that  Jesus  Christ 
'came  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  was 
lost'  Let  it  be  our  business  to  carry  out  this 
object,  first  by  securing  the  salvation  of  our 
own  souls,  then  by  efforts  and  prayers  for. 
others  at  home  and  abroad ;  and  part  of  those 
efforts  must  be  the  force  of  a  consistent  Chris- 
tian example.  Such  may  my  dear  class  ever 
present,  that  Grod  may  be  glorified." 

This  was  the  last  association  she  was  per- 
mitted to  establish:  her  health  having  declined 
very  rapidly  from  the  time  of  its  formation, 
she  was  not  allowed  to  attend  its  first,  or  any 
subsequent  meeting;  yet  .she  had  the  joy  to 
learn  that  a  large  number  joined  immediately, 
and  that  it  progressed  in  usefulness  to  them- 
selves and  the  heathen.  God  give  to  its  mem- 
bers the  spirit  of  perseverance  and  devotion  to 
missionary  objects,  which  their  president  so 
richly  enjoyed. 


186 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THE  COMMENCEMENT  OF  HER  ILLNESS- 
SECOND  TOUR  ON  THE  CONTINENT. 

In  the  autumn  of  the  year  1845,  Mrs.  Sher- 
man took  a  cold,  which  resulted  in  a  protracted 
cough,  and  other  symptoms  of  a  threatening 
nature.  The  progress  of  disease,  and  conse- 
quent prostration  of  strength,  became  so  fear- 
fully rapid,  that  a  temporary  removal  to  a 
more  genial  atmosphere  was  prescribed  by  her 
physician.  She  accordingly  went,  for  a  short 
period,  to  various  places  in  the  vicinity  of 
London,  where  she  employed  her  remaining 
strength  in  seeking  the  welfare  of  souls,  as  the 
following  letters  disclose : 

To  a  young  lady  in  delicate  health,  she 
writes, 

"  November  4,  1845. 

"I  plead  with  you  to  take  care  of  your 
health,  that  you  may  have  the  honor  of  serving 
God  for  many  years,  and  not  be  called  in 
youth  to  bear  instead  of  to  do  the  will  of  your 


DECLINING  HEALTH-JOURNIES. 


187 


heavenly  Father.  As  we  grow  in  grace,  we 
prize  more  our  opportunities  and  privileges, 
and  do  not  sentimentalize  on  the  joys  of  an 
early  removal  from  this  world.  When  our 
Christian  character  advances,  we  shall  unceas- 
ingly breathe  after  heaven,  as  we  catch  more 
of  the  spirit  of  heaven;  but  it  seems  to  me 
more  heaven-like  to  seek  to  'spend  and  be 
spent'  for  Christ  here,  with  the  anticipation  of 
being  at  last  'for  ever  with  the  Lord.'" 

To  another,  whose  love  and  kindness  she 
much  valued: 

"November  21,  1845. 
"Thank  you,  dear,  for  the  many  kind  and 
undeserved  expressions  in  your  note.  I  deeply 
feel  that  I  am,  and  have  been  a  'cumberer  of 
the  ground,'  and  I  can  only  wonder  why  I  was 
planted  in  so  fruitful  a  soil,  where  heavenly 
dews  and  sun  abound :  where  neighboring 
trees  yield  their  luxuriant  fruit  to  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  of  the  vineyard,  though  all  of  them, 
even  at  the  best,  ill  repaying  the  pains  and 
culture  he  has  bestowed.  Well  may  he  say  of 
me,  '  Cut  it  down,  why  cumbereth  it  the 
ground.'    Year  after  year  has  he  gently  dug 


188 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


about  my  roots,  with  the  same  instrument 
with  which  he  will,  I  think,  eventually  cut 
me  down.  Yet  I  cannot  imagine  wrath  in  the 
stroke;  not  in  judgment,  but  in  infinite  wis- 
dom, and  for  the  rousing  and  benefit  of  others, 
that  my  removal  might  effect  instrumentally 
what  my  lifeless  presence  has  failed  to  do. 
Pray  for  me,  my  dear  friend,  that  energy  and 
spirituality  may  be  produced  by  the  Spirit  of 
life  in  my  dead  soul,  and  that  my  few  remain- 
ing days  may  be  really,  what  my  heart  has 
desired  and  professed  past  days  to  be,  wholly 
and  entirely  the  Lord's.  May  every  blessing 
be  yours,  and  growing  devotedness  to  his  lovely 
>cause." 

The  kind  attentions  of  many  friends  in  pre- 
paring for  her  such  delicacies  as  they  thought 
her  failing  appetite  could  take,  drew  forth 
many  eff'usions  of  gratitude,  such  as  the  fol- 
lowing: 

"37  King's  Road,  Brighton,  Dec.  11,  1845. 

"My  dear  Friend — "What  can  I  say  to  you 
for  your  kind  present,  received  through  my 
dearest  husband?  I  greatly  feel  your  affec- 
tionate remembrance  of  me  in  my  time  of 


DECLINING  HEALTH— JOUE.NIES. 


189 


affliction — of  'light  affliction'  indeed;  lor  there 
is  so  very  much  mercy  mingled  with  it,  that 
the  difficulty  sometimes  is  to  know  whether 
that  can  be  an  affliction,  in  which  faith  brings 
me  the  enjoyment  of  so  many  precious  things 
as  realities  which  it  only  recognized  before. 
'The  things  which  are  seen,'  the  'temporal,' 
may  be  gloomy — they  are  so,  viewed  alone; 
but  we  are  not  to  look  at  them :  that  would  be 
to  complain  of  the  defects  of  the  casket,  which 
contained  a  precious  jewel.  The  '  far  more 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory'  is 
wrought  by  affliction,  while  we  look  not  at 
the  things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the  things 
which  are  unseen  and  eternal.  Who  would 
look  at  the  dark  cloud,  except  for  the  lovely 
rainbow  upon  it?  The  bow  is  not  seen  when 
the  cloud  is  not  there:  and  what  lovely  hues 
of  His  character  are  displayed,  who  '  puts  his 
bow  in  the  cloud'  of  our  darkest  affliction. 
Ah,  it  is  well,  if  a  Father's  hand  smites.  He 
has  blessings  in  reserve,  and  I  will  wait  and 
hope  for  them,  and  welcome  health,  if  he  shall 
please  to  grant  me  that  too.  I  am  weak  in- 
deed, physically  and  spiritually;  but  while 


190 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


there  is  the  promise  of  spiritual  strength  equal 
to  my  day,  I  can  bear  the  other  cheerfully. 
How  I  love  the  dear  Surrey  people,  for  their 
kind  prayerful  interest  in  one  so  unworthy  oi 
their  regard !  With  kindest  love  to  your  cir- 
cle, believe  me,  my  dear  friend, 

"Yours  ver}'  sincerely, 

'•MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

As  soon  as  her  illness  assumed  a  threaten- 
ing aspect,  which  the  air  of  Brighton  did  not 
remove,  the  church  met  to  supplicate  the  Fa- 
ther of  mercies  to  interpose  his  gracious  hand, 
and  if  it  pleased  him,  to  restore  her  to  health 
and  usefvilness.  The  mothers  over  whom  she 
had  presided  had  repeated  concerts  for  prayer, 
and  sent  her  some  precious  sentiments  of  sym- 
pathy and  love,  to  which  she  thus  replies : 

"37  King's  Road,  December  12. 

"My  beloved  Friend — What  can  I  say  in 
return  for  the  kind  and  affectionate  expression 
of  the  sympathy  of  the  dear  maternal  band, 
which  your  welcome  letter  contains  ?  I  would 
write  my  sense  of  it  to  them  generally,  but 
the  poor  mind  sympathizes  with  the  body  in 
its  weakness,  and  it  is  a  mental  effort  to  which 


DECLINING  HEALTH— JOURNIES.  191 

I  am  unequal ;  but  you  will  express  for  me 
what  you  know  my  heart  feels,  and  how 
cheered  I  am  by  the  kind  remembrance  of  me 
which  has  been  shown  by  them,  in  common 
with  all  the  dear  church  at  Surrey.  It  is 
sweet  to  find  a  special  errand  to  our  Father's 
throne,  and  to  be  borne  there  by  so  many  Chris- 
tian hearts.  I  am  perfectly  amazed  at  the  un- 
merited interest  of  my  dear  friends,  and  it 
humbles  me  to  know  how  little  I  have  practi- 
cally shown  the  deep  interest  I  feel  in  them. 
How  little  I  have  improved  the  many  opportu- 
nities of  exercising  useful  influence  over  them, 
in  exciting  to  more  eminent  devotedness,  and 
to  closer  walking  with  God.  Ah,  my  loved 
friend,  I  dare  not  say,  should  my  heavenly 
Father  restore  my  health,  how  different  shall 
my  future  course  be,  but  I  would  rather  plead 
that  such  a  sanctified  result  of  his  chastise- 
ment may  be  granted ;  that  so  I  may  act,  and 
my  desires  be  no  longer  floating  imaginations 
only,  but  practical,  uniform  labors,  to  draw  all 
within  my  reach  to  Jesus.  Surely  if  the 
prayers  of  your — our — dear  maternal  band 
'come  up  as  a  memorial  before  God,'  I  shall, 


192 


MARTHA  SHERSIAK. 


if  not  restored  to  bodily  health,  yet  receive 
that  measure  of  spiritual  vigor  which  I  so 
much  need.  May  the  dear  hearts  that  remem- 
ber me  be  ever  on  the  heart  of  our  adorable 
Intercessor  before  the  throne,  and  all  meet  him 
there,  to  unite  in  one  song  for  ever." 

In  reply  to  some  kind  and  anxious  inquiries, 
she  thus  addresses  one  of  her  father's  servants. 

"December  18.  1845. 

"  I  am  much  obliged  for  your  kind  anxiety 
on  my  account.  How  delightful  to  know  in 
whose  hands  my  life  and  health  are.  Who 
can  be  anxious  in  such  hands  ?  I  cannot  wish 
any  other  appointment  than  his  own.  Reports 
from  Surrey  say  my  illness  has  already  been 
blest  to  many,  in  rousing  them  to  more  prayer 
and  diligence.  Is  it  not  then  worth  while  to 
suffer,  if  God  be  glorified  by  it?  While  others 
are  being  watered  by  it,  pray  for  me  that  my 
own  vineyard  may  not  miss  the  heavenly 
shower,  and  perish  in  barrenness  and  fruitless- 
ness." 

A  young  lady,  a  member  of  one  of  her  class- 
es, had  gathered  around  her  a  number  of  Jew- 
ish children,  to  whose  instruction  in  useful  and 


DECLINIKG  HEALTH— JOUUNIES. 


193 


relio^ious  knowledsfe  she  devoted  herself.  Mrs. 
Sherman  took  the  deepest  interest  in  this  class, 
first  from  a  special  love  to  the  children  of  Is- 
rael, and  next  from  the  indefatigable  zeal  and 
perseverance  which  prompted  her  young  friend, 
amidst  great  difficulties  and  discouragements, 
to  proceed  in  her  work  of  faith.  She  thus  en- 
courages her: 

"  December  24,  1845 

"  I  think  you  have  no  reason  to  be  cast  down 
about  your  dear  Jews.  Think  what  they  were, 
what  they  now  are,  and  what  they  are  likely 
to  become,  through  the  influence  of  the  prayer 
of  faith  accompanying  the  valuable  ijistructions 
already  imparted.  It  is  neither  the  planter  nor 
the  waterer,  but  th^  Spirit  which  you  seek,  that 
shall  take  the  veil  from  their  hearts.  I  often 
think  the  efforts  for  them  are  like  one  expect- 
ing the  rising  sun.  While  gazing  and  watch- 
ing for  the  lovely  and  much-desired  orb,  his 
eyes  get  dazzled  with  the  brightness  of  the 
clouds  which  give  promise  of  his  rising.  He 
watches  till  he  can  watch  no  longer,  and  turns 
his  eyes  to  objects  less  brilliant,  but  nearer  at 
hand.    While  he  is  thus  engaged,  the  sun  rises, 

Sherman.  1 3 


194 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


but  he  sees  it  not  till  the  warmth  and  bright- 
ness it  diffuses  rouse  him  to  turn  again  and 
Irtok.  So  we  wait  and  pray  for  Israel's  salva- 
tion, but  again  and  again  are  disheartened, 
because  the  bright  promises  which  first  encour- 
aged us  to  pray  and  watch,  yet  remain  unful- 
filled, though  the  voice  that  spoke  them  as- 
sures us  they  certainly  shall  be  performed ;  and 
while  our  unbelief  leads  us  often  to  turn  our 
eyes  to  more  tangible  and  visible  fruits,  or 
prospects  of  fruits,  the  event  occurs,  the  veil 
is  removed  from  their  heart,  and  we  perceive 
it  not,  till  the  sweet  results  of  Israel's  turning 
to  the  Lord  gladden  the  whole  world. 

"You  have  watched  long  for  the  answers  to 
our  united  Thursday  praj«ers  for  your  little 
class,  and  your  dear  heart  seems  failing,  just 
at  the  moment  when  the  improvement  and  the 
remarks  of  the  children  seem  to  indicate  a 
state  of  mind  preparing  to  welcome  Christ, 
the  once-despised  'Nazarene,'  as  their  Saviour. 
Be  not  discouraged,  dear:  expect  great  things. 
One  converted  Jewish  child  may  be  one  of  the 
instruments  God  shall  employ.  'A  nation 
shall  be  boTn  in  a  day.'    G-o  on,  my  beloved 


DECLINING  HEALTH— JOURNIISS.  195 

girl,  and  expect  to  see  those  children  in  heav- 
en; then  I  believe  you  will  labor  more  diligent- 
ly and  pray  more  fervently  for  them." 

The  following  extract  shows  the  heart  of  the 
mother — the  loving,  praying,  believing  mother ; 
"The  dear  children  are  remarkably  well,  and 
baby  the  very  best  baby  that  can  be.  I  never 
saw  so  good  a  child.  I  trust  she  will  grow  up 
as  good  as  she  now  is.  Perhaps  I  may  not 
live  to  see  her  a  woman,  but  I  believe  she  will 
be  owned  of  Him  to  whom  she  was  given  long 
before  she  was  born;  and  if  he  take  her  up 
as  David  says,  I  need  not  fear,  if  I  go  home 
first,  but  my  children  will  follow  me  in  due 
time." 

The  following  note,  written  in  pencil  in  a 
small  memorandum  book,  exhibits  the  calm 
resignation  of  her  spirit  to  the  will  of  God, 
and  the  rich  enjoyment  she  possessed  of  his 
gracious  presence. 

"February  10,  1846. — Left  dear  Surrey  for 
Ventnor,  by  the  advice  of  Sir  J.  Clark,  Drs. 
Latham  and  Chambers.  Felt  it  a  trying  de- 
cree, but  much  relieved  by  the  confidence  that 
a  loving  Father  saw  it  best  for  me ;  no  severe 


196  MARTHA  SHERMAN. 

chastisement  of  an  angry  Grod,  but  a  Father's 
needed  discipline.  Much  cheered  hy  his  deal- 
ings— taking  so  much  trouble  with  me,  to  pre- 
pare me  for  the  enjoyment  of  himself  on  earth, 
and  at  last  in  heaven,  where  the  service  and 
worship  shall  no  more  be  impeded  by  disease 
and  weakness.  I  would  record  my  enjoyment 
in  the  chair  on  Ryde  pier;  I  thought,  perhaps 
as  silently,  but  unconsciously,  I  might  be 
borne  back  again,  no  more  to  see  my  beloved 
earthly  home,  but  to  be  laid  by  my  dear  moth- 
er's side,  to  await  the  voice  of  the  archangel; 
yet  felt  satisfied  that  if  it  were  so  ordered,  it 
would  be  better  and  more  for  God's  glory  that 
it  should  be  so:  therefore,  checked  the  rising 
thought  of  those  whose  dear  hearts  might  de- 
sire my  stay,  and  who  seem  to  need  it.  That 
is  not  necessary  which  God  withdraws  in 
love." 

The  last  private  record  which  she  permitted 
to  be  preserved,  immediately  follows  the  pre- 
ceding. 

"  February  12. — Dear  husband  left.  Watch- 
ed the  coach  with  its  beloved  passenger  to  the 
top  of  the  hill  at  Bonchurch,  and  committed 


DECLINING  HEALTH— JOUE.NIES. 


197 


him  to  Him  whose  word  is  enough  for  his  pro- 
tection. Took  a  solitary  walJi  to  divert  my 
mind ; '  most  lovely  scenery.  He  who  created 
the  hills  is  my  Beloved  and  my  Friend.  Saw 
a  poor  Jew,  and  longed  to  speak  to  him,  but 
could  not  with  my  respirator,  yet  enjoyed 
prayer  for  him.  'Lord,  let  a  Saviour's  blood 
be  on  him,  not  as  a  curse,  but  as  the  blood  of 
the  Lamb  of  G-od,  which  taketh  away  the  sins 
of  the  world.' " 

"I  hope  to  form  a  maternal  association  in 
this  room  in  a  few  days;  I  am  quietly  work- 
ing at  it.    The  great  difficulty  is  to  find  some 

suitable  person  to  superintend  it.  Mi's.   

has  been  suggested,  but  she  is  neither  a  mother 
nor  motherly.  The  tradesmen's  wives  are  quite 
encouraging  in  their  response  to  the  proposition, 
and  I  think  it  would  much  promote  union  and 
love,  as  \Afell  as  piety,  in  the  congregation. 
Pray  for  me,  my  dear  friend,  that  I  may  be 
.guided  and  assisted  in  the  little  effort." 

One  day,  while  resting  on  a  stUe  near  Bon- 
church,  a  young  widow  passed,  and  by  her 
appearance  indicated  that  she  had  not  long 
known  that  mournful  condition.    Pity  instant- 


198 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


ly  moved  the  heart  of  Mrs.  Sherman  towards 
the  disconsolate  stranger,  whose  inquiry  re- 
specting her  health  afforded  the  pastor's  wife 
an  opportunity  for  '  further  conversation.  In 
the  melting  tones  of  her  tender  voice  she  ex- 
pressed her  sympathy  for  the  recent  loss  and 
present  circumstances  of  the  widow;  which 
seemed  to  meet  the  desires  of  a  heart  longing 
to  tell  its  griefs  to  the  benevolent  mind,  of 
whose  kindness  the  soothing  words  that  fell 
from  those  gracious  lips  were  the  evidence. 
This  is  her  deeply  interesting  recital  of  the 
event : 

"I  walked  this  morning  alone  to  Bonchurch, 
and  felt  very  tired ;  seeing  a  stile  rather  farther 
on,  I  sat  there.  As  I  rested  I  thought  how 
humbling  it  was  to  be  literally  disabled  by  my 
respirator  from  speaking  to  any  of  the  poor  I 
met.  WhUe  trying  fo  get  some  useful  lesson 
from  it,  a  widow  and  child,  whom  I  had  not 
seen  before,  came  up,  and  seeing  me,  kindly 
inquired  after  my  health.  After  a  few  general 
observations  she  was  moving  on,  saying,  as  she 
bowed  her  leave  of  me,  '  It  must  be  a  trial  to 
you  to  be  alone  in  Ventnor.'    I  simply  replied^ 


DECLINING  HEALTH— JOURNIES. 


199 


'  Your  trial  is  greater  than  mine ;  but  if  we 
botli  know  and  love  Him  who  tries  us,  our 
trials  will  be  sweetened,  will  they  not?'  She 
imnediately  said,  'Oh,  that  is  what  I  want  to 
understand.'  I  asked  permission  to  join  her, 
as  she  was  going  home,  and  I  shall  not  soon 
forget  that  walk,  the  eagerness  with  which  she 
soaght  instruction,  and  the  liberty  that  was 
giVen  me  in  placing  the  gospel  before  her.  I 
believe  my  respirator  helped  my  freedom,  and 
I  seem  now  quite  satisfied  that  God  has  given 
me  something  to  do  here,  worth  all  the  trial  of 
coming. 

"  She  begs  that  I  will  allow  her  further  con- 
versation another  day,  which  you  may  be  sure 
I  will.  Indeed,  it  seemed  altogether  so  ar- 
ranged, and  so  timed,  that  I  cannot  but  hope 
an  unseen  hand  directed  us  to  meet.  You  will 
entreat  for  her  and  for  me,  that  I  may  be  as- 
sisted to  guide  her,  for  she  seems  very  igno- 
rant, though,  as  she  says,  '  longing  to  be  con- 
verted ;'  and  that  her  heart  may  be  opened  to 
receive  the  truth  in  its  sweet  simplicity.  I  am 
much  interested  in  the  servants,  too;  I  hope 
to  get  at  them  thoroughly  soon.    I  have  had 


200 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


much  conversation  with  one,  and  I  believe  she 
feels  some  interest.  God  meant  more  in  send- 
ing me  here,  and  in  trials  generally  he  intends 
more  than  individual  benefit.  It  is  for  us  to 
watch  his  working,  that  we  may  work  with 
him  and  promote  all  the  objects  he  designs.  If 
I  may  but  help  another  to  heaven,  I  shall  not 
think  it  so  painful  to  be  separated  from  my . 
dear  home.'' 

Finding  her  message  acceptable,  she  follow-, 
ed  up  this  first  interview  by  successive  meet- 
ings, in  which  she  endeavored  to  explain  to  her 
willing  disciple  "the  way  of  Grod  more  per- 
fectly." 

"I  am  increasingly  interested  in  my  widow; 
she  usually  spends  from  seven  to  eight  in  the 
evening  with  me  ;  think  of  us  then.  I  am  en- 
deavoring to  instruct  her  thoroughly  in  the 
great  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  for  I  fear  unless 
her  mind  as  well  as  her  heart  is  influenced,  the 
snares  around  her  will  prove  sadly  injurious. 
Every  truth  is  new,  and  she  drinks  in  instruc- 
tion with  great  delight." 

She  made  this  widow's  case  a  subject  of  en- 
treaty with  God,  that  he  would  be  pleased  to 


DECLININa  HEALTH— JOURNIES.  201 


compensate  the  loss  of  her  creature  comfort, 
by  taking  up  his  residence  in  her  heart.  She 
wrote  to  several  of  her  friends  to  engage  their 
prayers  on  behalf  of  the  "hopeful  inquirer," 
and  commended  her  to  Christians  in  the 
vicinity,  entreating  them  to  watch  over  the 
buddings  of  piety  which  had  begun  to  ap- 
pear. Mrs.  Sherman  was  soon  convinced,  that 
repentance  for  sin,  especially  for  neglected  op- 
portunities and  faith  in  Christ,  though  "as  a 
grain  of  mustard-seed,"  existed  in  that  spirit, 
whose  previously  unfriendly  habits  and  present 
hinderances  to  decision  rendered  her,  to  all  hu- 
man appearance,  a  most  unlikely  person  ever 
to  taste  of  gospel  privileges.  A  period  of  two 
years  confirmed  the  accuracy  of  her  judgment; 
and  a  short  time  before  her  death,  she  "be- 
queathed the  widow's  soul  as  a  legacy"  to  a 
Christian  friend,  to  be  watched  over  and  trained 
for  God.  Subsequent  events  have  brought  her 
to  London,  where  she  is  associated  as  a  mem- 
ber with  the  church  of  Christ  at  Surrey  Chapel, 
and  walks  before  God  to  the  comfort  of  her 
pastor's  heart,  as  a  living  memorial  of  the 
precious  saint  who  won  her  soul  for  Christ,  and 


202 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


a  striking  illustration  of  the  fact,  "Blessed  are 
ye  that  sow  heside  all  waters." 

Her  conversation  with  the  servants,  and  her 
affectionate  liindness  for  their  immortal  inter- 
ests, so  won  them  that  they  solicited  the  privi- 
lege of  attending  the  family  service.  "I  have 
at  last  found  courage  to  allow  the  household 
to  he  present  at  family  worship,  when  I  am 
alone.  They  always  unite  with  us  when  Mr. 
Sherman  or  papa  are  here;  hut  till  lately  I 
only  allowed  nurse  to  come  in.  We  now  as- 
semble eight,  including  the  waiter.  I  never 
previously  prayed  hefore  a  man,  except  in  the 
cottages  of  the  poor,  and  I  feel  it  to  he  a  great 
effort;  but  "the  desire  on  their  part  to  be  pres- 
ent, convinced  me  that  I  should  think  of  no 
impediment." 

As  soon  as  Mrs.  Sherman  was  informed  that 
a  small  debt  encumbered  the  chapel  at  Vent- 
nor,  with  a  countenance  beaming  with  benevo- 
lence and  decision,  she  said  to  her  husband,  "I 
will  try  and  comfort  the  dear  man's  heart,  by 
attempting  its  removal."  "Weak  as  she  was, 
she  wrote  a  note  every  day  to  some  liberal 
Christian,  and  pleaded  with  others,  from  whom 


DECLININa  HEALTH— JOURNIES. 


203 


she  never  had  a  denial,  and  in  less  than  a 
month  the  whole  amount  required  was  paid. 
Never  can  her  husband  forget  the  moment 
when  he  accidentally  disturbed  her  in  her 
room,  kneeling  before  a  chair  on  which  she  had 
placed  the  money  thus  collected,  begging  God 
to  accept  the  offerings  of  his  servants,  and 
thanking  him  for  employing  her  in  its  collec- 
tion. 0,  it  was  a  lovely  sight  to  behold  both 
the  contributions  and  the  efforts,  which  were 
great  in  her  state  of  weakness,  alike  conse- 
crated to  God.  Let  the  contributors  to  that 
fund  be  assured  that,  ere  this,  good  interest 
has  come  to  them  from  heaven  through  her 
prayers. 

She  thus  describes  the  state  of  her  health: 
"Well,  I  suppose  I  must  say  something  about 
myself:  I  am  decidedly  stronger;  I  keep  out, 
walking,  standing,  leaning  against  posts,  sit- 
ting, sauntering,  or  riding  every  bright  Jay, 
and  we  have  had  two  days  only  that  were  not 
so.  My  cough  is  generally  much  as  it  was; 
two  days  this  week  my  old  symptoms  of  ex- 
haustion and  sickness  have  thrown  me  back, 
but  I  hope  soon  to  regain  lost  ground.  My 


204 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


heart  yearns  to  speak  to  the  poor  invalids  I  see 
here;  I  long  to  know  where  is  their  hope,  and 
whether  I  could  help  to  point  them  to  Jesus. 
My  respirator  is  a  great  impediment,  because 
it  is  as  difficult  to  be  heard  as  to  speak." 

To  a  young  friend  in  the  north,  in  whose 
honored  family  she  had  occasionally  taken  up 
her  abode,  she  addressed  the  following  letter, 
as  an  answer  to  objections  and  difficulties 
arising  from  a  want  of  assurance: 

'•January,  1846. 

"You  have  been  very  much  in  my  heart 
since  I  received  your  letter  two  months  since ; 
but  my  ability  to  write  where  any  effort  is 
requisite,  has  been  so  feeble  that  I  have  defer- 
red, hoping  for  better  days ;  but  my  weakness 
and  cough  remain,  and  therefore,  in  spite  of  an 
empty  mind,  I  am  going  to  try  to  answer  you. 
A  conversation  only  could  properly  respond  to 
your  note,  because,  like  all  in  your  state,  there 
is  a  mixture  of  complete  contradictions — not 
loving  Jesus,  yet  longing  to  be  like  him — lov- 
ing sin,  yet  aiming  at  perfection.  Now,  my 
sweet  child,  one  thing  is  certain — that  no  con- 
flict begins  in  the  soul  till  the  Spirit  of  God 


DECLINING  HEALTH— JOURNIES. 


205 


begins  to  work;  therefore  set  this  down  at 
once,  that  these  desires  after  G-od  are  not  pro- 
duced by  your  own  sinful  nature.  To  dis- 
courage you  in  your  path  to  the  kingdom,  the 
enemy  of  souls  is  perpetually  throwing  temp- 
tations in  your  way  to  make  you  stumhle,  and 
if  he  can  succeed,  to  induce  you  to  give  up 
entirely  so  difficult  an  effort.  Remember,  the 
Christian  life  is  one  of  conflict  and  of  faith. 
Joyful  indeed  would  any  Christian  be  without 
the  trial  of  faith;  but  would  this  glorify  Grod? 
No;  Christian  assurance  is  the  result  of  close 
walking  with  God,  by  simple  unshaken  faith 
in  his  word.  You  are  to  commit  that  naked, 
guilty  soul  to  him,  to  be  saved  in  his  own 
way;  you  are  to  expect,  nay,  to  receive  salva- 
tion, because  the  offer  of  it  is  made  to  you. 
God  has  proved  his  entire  satisfaction  in  the 
work  of  his  beloved  Son,  by  raising  him  from 
the  dead,  and  seating  him  at  his  own  right 
hand  in  glory,  as  the  Intercessor.  The  work 
of  redemption  therefore  is  complete,  and  now 
the  gospel  is  sent  into  the  world,  inviting  every 
creature  to  receive  it,  because  God  is  'just,  and 
the  justifier  of  him  that  believeth.'    Take  God 


206 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


at  his  word,  and  accept  salvation,  and  the  fruits 
of  faith  must  follow. 

"You  must  not  be  discouraged  because  of 
your  many  falls  and  broken  resolutions;  look 
up  cheerfully  to  Him  who  promises  strength 
to  the  faint  and  'help  to  the  weak.'  Keep  a  ^ 
steady  purpose,  in  most  entire  reliance  on  di- 
vine strength  and  'the  supply  of  the  Spirit  of 
Jesus  Christ,'  and  do  not  stop  to  look  how 
many  times  you  have  fallen,  but  pursue  your 
way ;  exercise  constant  repentance  and  simple 
trust  in  a  faithful  Friend;  forget  the  things 
which  are  behind,  and  press  forward  to  those 
which  are  before;  tarry  not  in  all  the  plain, 
but  press  onward,  onward,  onward.  Thank 
him  for  every  thing  you  discover  of  a  hopeful 
character;  give  him  the  glory,  and  this  will 
greatly  encourage  you.  Do  not  be  idle;  you 
will  never  get  on  if  you  are.  Your  time  be- 
longs to  God,  your  talents  are  his,  and  for  him 
they  must  be  employed.  Ask,  'Lord,  what 
wilt  thou  have  me  to  do,  and  show  me  how  to 
do  it;  open  a  way  for  me,  that  to  thee  I  may 
render  of  thine  own.'  Be  much  in  prayer  and 
in  prayerful  study  of  the  word  of  God.  Use 


DECLININO  HEALTH— JOURNIES.  207 


Grod  as  a  friend,  and  you  will  soon  write  cheer- 
ily. If  my  poor  mind  can  at  any  time  help 
you,  or' if  I  have  not  caught  what  you  meant, 
do  use  me,  and  let  me  know;  I  may  not  be 
able  to  write  immediately,  but  I  will  when  I 
can.  I  fear  I  must  at  least  wait  till  the  spring 
for  brighter  days,  but  I  am  most  happy ;  I  love 
the  hand  that  smites,  and  I  cannot  shrink  at 
His  gentle  touch.  "With  much  love  to  your 
dear  circle,  I  am,  ■ 

"Your  truly  attached  friend, 

'■M.  SHERMAN." 

As  the  summer  advanced,  more  strength  was 
gained,  the  cough  seemed  greatly  subdued,  and 
hope  was  entertained  that  even  now  her  life 
might  be  given  to  her  family  and  the  service  of 
her  Lord.  "Prayer  was  made  without  ceasing 
by  the  church"  for  her,  and  all  her  friends 
were  strengthened  to  continue  in  supplication 
by  the  pleasing  indications  of  recovery.  The 
Countess  Von  Reden  of  Buchwald,  in  Silesia, 
Prussia,  was  exceedingly  anxious  that  a  change 
of  scene  and  air  should  be  tried,  and  sent  her 
a  most  affectionate  invitation  to  visit  her  hos- 
pitable mansion,  and  try  her  maternal  superin- 


208 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


tendence.  Her  physicians  thought  the  plan 
desirable,  now  her  powers  were  recruited,  and 
advised  an  immediate  departure,  while  the 
brightness  of  the  summer  lasted. 

During  this  second  tour  on  the  continent  of 
Europe,  undertaken  now  for  her  own  benefit, 
she  was  no  less  assiduous  than  in  her  days  of 
health  in  employing  her  energies  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  truth  and  piety  among  her  fellow- 
men.  She  did  not  avail  herself  of  the  excuse 
which  her  declining  strength  might  have  fur- 
nished for  a  self-indulgent  relaxation  in  her 
efforts  for  others.  The  dictates  of  a  heart  filled 
with  love  to  God  and  man  were  heeded  by  her, 
rather  than  the  promptings  of  a  diseased  and 
decaying  body. 

As  on  her  former  tour,  she  wrote  minute  and 
highly  interesting  records  of  the  various  objects 
of  interest  which  she  met;  and  many  a  circum- 
stance which  an  ordinary  observer  would  fail  to 
notice,  was  to  her  active  mind  a  connecting  link 
between  her  heavenly  Father  and  his  child,  and 
suggestive  of  some  thought  tending  to  purify  and 
elevate  her  character.  She  returned  to  England 
in  September,  after  an  absence  of  two  months. 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  209 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

VISIT  TO  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS. 

The  continental  tour  and  the  visit  to  Silesia, 
referred  to  in  the  preceding  chapter,  greatly- 
improved  Mrs.  Sherman's  general  health,  which 
for  some  time  after  her  return  was  sustained, 
to  the  astonishment  and  comfort  of  her  friends. 
Hope,  naturally  buoyant  in  her  cheerful  tem- 
per, became  lively  and  vigorous.  Her  recovery, 
before  encompassed  with  uncertainty,  she  now 
anticipated  with  confidence,  and  told  her  hus- 
band, in  cheerful  accents,  that  as  she  felt  bet- 
ter than  for  months  previously,  she  was  assured 
the  Lord  would  again  permit  her  to  labor  in  his 
vineyard.  Her  cough  however  had  never  been 
effectually  subdued,  and  as  the  winter  advanced 
began  to  show  fearful  symptoms  of  increased 
violence.  At  the  commencement  of  the  year 
1847  the  strength  previously  gained  declined, 
and  the  appetite,  which  had  been  remarkably 
renewed,  rapidly  failed. 

Though  the  parsonage  is  situated  very  favor- 

Sherman.  "I  4 


210 


ilARIHA  SHERMAK. 


ably  for  a  consumptive  patient,  being  protected- 
entirely  fron:i  the  north  and  east,  it  was  thought 
by  her  physician  that  the  atmosphere  of  London 
aggravated  her  disease  ;  therefore,  as  a  change 
for  the  invalid,  rather  than  with  any  expectation 
of  permanent  amendment,  he  ordered  her  for  a 
few  weeks  to  her  father's  residence  at  Enfield, 
where  every  attention  that  love  could  invent 
was  paid  to  the  precious  saint.  Here,  spas- 
modic attacks  of  coughing,  which  were  enough 
to  excite  sympathy  for  the  patient,  cheerful 
sufferer  in  the  coldest  heart,  produced  dreadful 
exhaustion  and  brought  her  very  low.  Yet 
she  rallied  again  and  again,  and  it  appeared  for 
a  few  days  as  if  the  symptoms  had  taken  a 
favorable  turn,  and  that,  notwithstanding  all 
she  had  suffered,  she  might  hereafter  again 
"work  the  work  of  the  Lord."  She  was  not 
wholly  deprived  of  attending  worship  on  the 
Sabbath;  occasionally  in  the  morning  or  after- 
noon, she  ventured  among  the  assembled  saints, 
and  ate  with  a  keener  spiritual  relish  the  bread 
that  came  down  from  heaven.  But  even  a 
short  service  was  more  than  her  enfeebled 
strength  could  sustain  without  increased  suffer- 


AT  ST.  LfEONARD'S  AJNi)  HASTINGS.  211 

ing;  and  often  has  her  determination  to  go 
"  where  Grod  dwells"  cost  her  the  sacrifice  of  a 
night's  rest  and  much  bodily  comfort.  Still, 
what  relative  could  authoritatively  interpose 
or  resist  the  touching  I'emonstrance,  '"Let  me 
go,  I  may  not  worship  with  you  long  on  earth ; 
and  if  I  do  suffer  a  little  more  in  my  body,  my 
spirit  is  refreshed  with  the  dews  which  fall  on 
Zion's  hill;  0,  it  is  good  to  be  there." 

Rather  than  attempt  to  describe  the  state  of 
her  mind,  and  its  gracious  employment,  it 
will  be  preferable  to  show  both  in  some  portions 
of  letters  which  she  wrote  at  this  period. 
These  will  prove  how  near  the  verge  of  heaven 
her  spirit  lived,  from  whence  she  derived  her 
solid  peace,  and  how  intent  she  was  on  serving 
her  incarnate  Lord  through  the  remaining  days 
of  her  suffering  existence.  That  she  might  not 
appear  to  be  wholly  separated  from  her  Sab- 
bath-class, a  lady  who  had  occasionally  assisted 
her,  when  necessitated  to  leave  home,  kindly 
undertook  to  superintend  it  on  her  behalf;  but 
sickness  in  her  friend's  family  compelled  her 
absence  from  London  for  a  season,  and  finally 
from  the  neighborhood  of  Surrey  chapel.  Just 


212 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


at  this  time,  and  when  she  felt  her  resumption 
of  its  duties  was  hopeless,  the  kindness  of  her 
heavenly  Father  appeared  in  sending  to  her 
Miss  Neele,  a  valued  friend  with  whom  she 
had  been  on  terms  of  intimacy  from  childhood, 
to  take  charge  of  the  education  of  her  two 
daughters.  She  entered  the  family  a  few 
weeks  before  Mrs.  Sherman's  tour  to  Silesia, 
and  when  she  returned  undertook  to  instruct 
the  class  for  a  few  Sabbaths;  but  her  labors 
proving  very  acceptable  to  the  pupils,  at  the 
request  of  Mrs.  Sherman,  seconded  by  the  class, 
she  consented  to  become  its  permanent  instruct- 
ress. Her  Sunday-class  being  thus  happily 
provided  for,  a  great  burden  was  at  once  re- 
moved from  her  mind,  while  by  their  teacher's 
residence  with  her,  she  was  still  able  to  main- 
tain communication  with  them. 

Although  her  young  ladies'  class  required  an 
effort  only  once  a  fortnight,  her  failing  strength 
would  not  permit  her  longer  to  indulge  the 
pleasing  expectation  that  she  might  resume  its 
duties ;  and  it  became  her  anxiety  and  prayer 
that  some  efficient  and  cultivated  teacher  might 
be  found  for  that  also.    At  the  beginning  of 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  213 


Ihe  year  1847  Mrs.  Field,  a  lady  well  qualified 
for  the  undertaking,  cheered  her  heart  by  sig^ 
nifying  to  the  exhausted  invalid  her  acceptance 
of  the  office.  Her  joy  at  this  announcement 
will  be  best  told  in  her  own  language : 

"  January  9,  1847. 

"Many  are  the  instances  in  which  your 
kindness,  my  beloved  friend,  has  revived  my 
heart;  but  as  'a  friend  in  need  is  a  friend  in- 
deed,' you  have  specially  cheered  my  mind,  by 
its  unexpected  relief  from  the  burden  of  my 
beloved  Bible-class.  Long  have  I  desired  and 
coveted  your  valuable  aid,  but  your  own  deli- 
cacy of  health  made  me  shrink  from  suggest- 
ing any  plan  that  would  make  demands  on 
your  strength;  but  your  dear,  kind  heart  has 
anticipated  my  wishes,  and  I  tender  you  the 
overflowings  of  mine  in  gratitude  and  love. 
My  dear  husband  fully  intended  to  take  charge 
of  the  class  when  this  year  opened ;  but  the 
state  of  his  chest  and  of  his  general  health,  for 
some  weeks,  made  me  think  it  quite  improper 
and  even  perilous  for  him  to  attempt  any  ad- 
ditional exercise. 

"My  grief  over  that  dear  class,  so  much 


214 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


needing  assistance,  and  the  hope  of  resuming 
my  place  among  them  being  so  continually- 
disappointed  by  the  recurrence  of  old  evil 
symptoms,  whenever  I  encounter  the  slightest 
exertion  and  excitement,  have  perhaps  aggra- 
vated the  trial  of  banishment  from  my  loved 
place  among  them.  I  wish  you,  my  dear 
friend,  the  same  rich  enjoyment  I  have  expe- 
rienced in  meeting  them ;  for  though  physically 
there  was  rather  suffering  than  enjoyment,  my 
nobler  part  has  been  often  refreshed  in  the 
feeble,  broken  effort  to  draw  them  near  to 
God.  I  have  struggled  long  with  my  con- 
sciousness of  utter  inefficiency  for  so  respon- 
sible a  position;  now  my  heavenly  Father  is 
trying  and  proving  me,  whether  I  would  serve 
him  or  not. 

"Ah,  my  beloved  friend,  none  but  One  can 
sympathize  with  my  feelings,  in  being  thus 
step  by  step,  removed  from  the  scenes  of  rich 
privilege,  in  which  my  whole  soul  has  long 
luxuriated,  and  enjoyed  such  rich  manifesta- 
tions of  my  Father's  condescension  and  love. 
Why  was  I  permitted  to  taste  the  dear  cup  of 
hallowed  joy,  so  utterly  unworthy  as  I  am  of 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS. 


215 


the  least  notice  of  my  Father's  eye  ?  "Why 
was  the  cup  taken  from  me,  just  as  I  was 
increasingly  realizing  the  happiness  of  being 
nothing — less  than  nothing — that  God  might 
be  '  all  in  all.'  It  sometimes  seems  as  if  it  was 
a  stroke  of  his  wrath,  and  while  I  am  over- 
whelmed that  his  mercy  ever  reached  my  guilty 
soul  at  all,  I  catch  myself  continually  asking, 
'Wherefore  dost  thou  contend  with  me?'  He 
has  brought  me  so  to  love  him  that  I  am  ready, 
I  think,  to  feel  'He  doeth  all  things  well;'  and 
if  he  leave  me  without  usefulness  or  influence 
all  my  remaining  days,  it  must  be  for  some 
infinitely  wise  purpose,  though  hidden  from  me, 
and  contrary  to  his  ordinary  method;  for  he 
surely  must  be  more  glorified  by  the  increase 
of  my  influence,  if  he  sanctify  its  exercise,  than 
by  its  removal.  I  am  willing,  more  than 
willing,  to  be  entirely  at  his  disposal,  to  be 
nothing  in  the  esteem  of  others,  if  he  be  but 
glorified.  But  is  it  not  mysterious,  that  in  the 
flower  of  my  days,  and  just  arriving  at  the  age 
when,  if  ever,  some  degree  of  wisdom  may  be 
anticipated,  and  delighting  in  every  thing  in 
proportion  to  my  ability  to  communicate  my 


216 


MAETHA  SHERMAN. 


enjoyment  to  others,  I  am  thus  suddenly  ar- 
rested in  my  course?  My  weakness  last  win- 
ter prevented  all  such  gloomy  musings;  but 
the  great  improvement  in  my  general  health 
since  my  journey,  seemed  to  encourage  every 
hope  that  I  might  again  do  as  in  former  happy 
days.  But  every  attempt  proves  my  mistake, 
and  sends  me  back  to  my  closet,  to  ask  that 
resignation  which  surely  I  must  want,  or  I 
could  not  feel  so  discouraged.  Forgive  me  for 
thus  pouring  out  my  heart's  grief  to  you.  I 
know  you  will  pray  for  your  unworthy  friend, 
as  well  as  so  substantially  help  her." 

One  of  the  members  of  the  church  had  been 
most  unjustly  subjected  to  a  criminal  prosecu- 
tion, in  consequence  of  the  unexpected  death 
of  the  person  to  whom  his  kind  offices  were 
gratuitously  rendered.  "Weak  as  she  was,  she 
would  send  the  following  testimony  of  her  sym- 
pathy to  his  wife : 

"Clay  Hill,  Enfield,  February  1,  1847. 

"I  fear  you  are  in  anxiety,  and  I  must  send 
my  paper  representative  to  assure  you,  dear  Mrs. 

L  ,  how  truly  and  heartily  I  sympathize 

with  you  and  your  good  husband  under  this 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  217 


unexpected  trial ;  for  though  human  syinpathy 
can  nf  itself  do  little,  it  is  sometimes  cheer- 
ing to  know  that  every  Christian  sympathizer 
contributes  his  or  her  mite  to  'open  the  win- 
dows of  heaven,'  that '  a  blessing  may  be  poured 
out;'  and  you  have  many  such  sympathizers 
at  Surrey.  When  God  is  about  to  answer  a 
prayer  which  has  long  appeared  to  be  unheed- 
ed, he  often  seems  to  be  sending  only  judg- 
ments and  wrath,  raising  enemies  in  return 
for  kindness,  and  crossing  our  best  and  most 
hallowed  purposes.  We  are  so  slow  to  com- 
prehend our  Father's  methods  of  disciplining 
his  children,  and  so  unwilling  to  work  with  him 
in  accomplishing  his  designs,  that  we  are  some- 
times ready  in  our  hearts,  if  not  with  our  lips, 
to  join  with  Jacob  in  saying,  '  All  these  things 
are  against  me.' 

"But,  my  dear  friend,  this  present  trial  is 
not  more  mysterious  than  Jacob's;  all  was 
overruled  in  his  case  for  good,  and  I  am  per- 
fectly confident  that  God's  design  in  your  case 
is  for  your  advantage.  How  many  have  been 
led  to  pray  for  you,  who  but  feebly  remem- 
bered you  before.    Has  it  not  led  both  you  and 


218 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


your  hustand  to  cast  yourselves  more  simply 
on  Him  who  has  all  hearts  in  his  hands  ?  Has 
not  the  unchangeable  faithfulness  of  God  been 
endeared  in  contrast  with  the  malice  of  man? 
The  consciousness  of  integrity  in  your  hus- 
band's mind  must  be  very  consoling;  the  con- 
viction that,  however  hateful  the  circumstances 
of  this  trial  are  to  the  divine  mind,  yet,  that 
while  his  love  permits  them,  he  has  entire 
authority  over  them,  so  that  they  cannot  do 
more  than  he  allows,  is  the  sweetener  of  the 
most  bitter  sorrow. 

"'Look  not,'  my  dear  friend,  'at  the  things 
which  are  seen'  and  'temporal,'  but  'at  the 
things  which  are  unseen  and  eternal ;'  so,  '  our 
light  affliction  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  ex- 
ceeding and  eternal  weight  of  glory.'  Look 
through  the  dark  cloud  to  Him  that  sits  on  his 
throne,  who  makes  the  clouds  his  chariots  of 
love  to  draw  you  nearer  to  himself;  behold  him 
in  his  ways  till  you  love  him  and  all  his  deal- 
ings, however  painful,  confident  that  '  He  that 
spared  not  his  own  Son '  will  '  freely  give  us 
all  things,'  whether  trial  or  prosperity,  that 
shall  tend  to  our  complete  and  fi.nal  redemption. 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  219 

•  He  loves  too  much  to  spare  the  rod  when 
needed,  and  he  strikes  because  he  loves  and 
'cares  for  you.'  In  his  hands  leave  this  week's 
results;  he  will  never  betray  you.  Excuse 
this  note,  which  an  anxious  and  sympathizing 
heart  dictates." 

It  was  her  habit  on  the  return  of  her  wed- 
ding-day to  review  the  providences  which  had 
attended  her  useful  course.  A  note  bearing 
date  March  3,  1847,  alludes  to  this  event,  and 
exhibits  how  well  her  mind  was  disciplined  to 
endure  and  even  welcome  her  altered  condition, 
which  contrasted  so  painfully  with  that  of  for- 
mer years. 

"If  you  are  in  London,  my  dear  friend,  do 
try  to  come  and  cheer  me  with  your  presence 
at  the  maternal-meeting  here  on  Monday;  it 
always  delights  me  to  see  you,  but  especially 
when  I  feel  unequal  to  exertion,  and  must  fall 
back  upon  my  kind  friends.  Several  fresh 
members  have  joined  us  lately,  and  I  am 
anxious  to  secure  the  assistance  of  those  who 
can  speak  to  good  purpose,  which  you  know  I 
think  you  do.  I  am  indeed  a  poor  creature 
now,  more  so  than  ever ;  and  am  called  to  give 


220 


MARTHA  SHERMAJT. 


up  to  other  and  far  more  efficient  hands  the  • 
little  objects  which  have  so  intensely  interested 
me.  Twelve  years  of  peculiar  happiness  I  have 
passed  this  day  with  my  beloved  husband;  it 
is  the  first  wedding-day  that  has  transpired 
without  bright  hopes  of  increasing  activity  and 
usefulness;  but  I  am  now  bidden  to  'stand 
still,'  to  wait,  to  submit,  and  to  yield  such 
hopes  to  others.  I  feel,  however,  it  is  right, 
and  I  do  not  in  my  heart  desire  any  other  ap- 
pointment ;  my  flesh  sometimes  does,  but  though 
a  painful  discipline,  it  is  quite  enough  for  me 
that  I  am  in  my  Father's  hands.  This  sUences 
every  rebellious  wish,  and  I  hope  soon  to  recog- 
nize submission  as  more  congenial  than  that 
activity  which  I  once  so  much  enjoyed.  I 
want  to  know  no  will  but  his ;  quietly  and 
cheerfully  to  sit  in  sUence,  and  learn  the  great 
lessons  which  he  has  given  to  qualify  me  for 
the  enjoyment  of  himself,  and  to  promote  his 
own  glory." 

To  another  of  her  friends  whose  attentions  to 
her  diet  were  never-failing,  she  thus  replies  • 

"Again  must  I  thank  you,  my  very  kind 
friend,  for  the  repetition  of  your  affectionate 

* 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  221 


remembrance,  and  for  its  extension  to  my  little 
Patty.  I  can  only  regard  you  as  a  'minister- 
ing' body,  as  well  as  'spirit,'  if  I  am  not  pre- 
sumptuous in  the  humble  hope  that,  'through 
Him  that  loved'  and  'washed'  me,  I  am  'an 
heir  of  salvation,'  to  whom  those  blessed  ones 
are  sent  to  minister.  He  who  commissions 
them  is  indeed  the  source  of  'every  good  and 
every  perfect  gift.'  I  bless  him  for  making 
your  heart  the  kind  well  of  mercy  it  is — you 
will  give  him  all  the  glory ;  and  I  bless  you 
for  the  sweet  overflowings  of  that  heart  to  me, 
which  inclines  you  in  all  things  to  do  his  will, 
and  to  make  others  happy.  I  disobey  you  by 
writing,  but  I  must  thank  you  while  I  can  hold 
a  pen." 

On  the  3rd  of  April,  by  the  advice  of  Dr. 
Roots,  she  left  London  for  St.  Leonard's.  The 
little  exercise  she  was  able  to  take  in  the  open 
air,  by  the  facilities  this  lovely  and  quiet  place 
afforded,  and  the  warm  breezes  from  the  ocean, 
greatly  renovated  her  strength  and  reduced 
the  violence  of  her  cough  for  a  few  weeks ;  but 
she  had  now  an  exercise  of  another  and  more 
painful  kind.    Her  mind,  which,  during  the 


222 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


whole  period  of  her  sickness  had  been  remark- 
ably placid,  and  even  joyous,  became  suddenly 
depressed:  not  that  it  was  apparent  to  an  or- 
dinary observer ;  for,  like  her  Saviour,  she  sel- 
dom mentioned  her  mental  sorrows,  except  to 
her  heavenly  Father.  Her  great  anxiety  for 
the  comfort  of  others  would  not  allow  her,  un- 
less absolutely  necessary,  to  obtrude  her  griefs 
on  their  attention;  even  her  husband  was  not 
made  acquainted  with  them  till  after  repeated 
inquiry,  lest  the  tale  of  sorrow  should  diminish 
his  happiness. 

The  dart  which  the  vile  archer,  taking  ad- 
vantage of  her  bodily  M^eakness,  cast  into  her 
tender  conscience,  was  the  base  insinuation 
that  her  backwardness  to  converse  on  heavenly 
and  spiritual  topics  had  been  a  hinderance  to 
her  husband's  usefulness.  Never  did  he  invent 
a  more  false  accusation,  for  it  was  scarcely 
possible  for  a  disciple  to  give  a  heartier  re- 
sponse when  the  peculiarities  of  Christian  ex- 
perience were  introduced,  or  to  show  greater 
delight  when  the  tales  of  Grod's  love  were  the 
subjects  of  conversation.  It  was  not  her  habit 
to  thrust  her  religious  opinions  on  every  com- 


AI  ST.  LEONARD  S  AND  HASTINGS.  223 


pany  and  season;  but  few  opportunities  es- 
caped without  some  delicate  allusion  to  the 
best  of  topics,  with  which  her  heart  was 
charged.  Poor  and  rich,  pious  and  profane, 
will  confirm  this  testimony ;  and  he  whose 
ministry  her  clouded  imagination  fancied"  she 
had  injured,  can  only  lament  that  the  charge 
might,  with  greater  propriety,  be  brought 
against  him,  that  he  had  not  sufficiently  im- 
proved the  precious  opportunities  now,  alas, 
past,  of  spiritual  communion  with  her  during 
thirteen  years  of  almost  uninterrupted  bliss. 
The  description  she  gives  of  her  state  of  mind 
is  so  mournfully  beautiful,  that  it  cannot  be 
withheld. 

"Before  my  marriage,  my  own  impression 
of  one  of  the  most  important  duties  of  a  min- 
ister's wife  was  this:  that  as  her. husband's 
many  and  varied  occupations,  being  all  on  one 
subject,  were  necessarily  likely,  in  a  measure, 
to  become  mechanical,  unless  much  time  could 
be  devoted  to  communion  with  God  and  his 
own  heart  in  private ;  her  duty  would  be,  by 
her  piety  and  spirituality  of  conversation,  to 
help  his  piety,  and  to  give  it  the  vigor  requi- 


224 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


site  to  its  constant  exhibition  in  its  brightest, 
purest  form  at  home.  Now,  my  beloved  hus- 
band does  everywhere  show  whom  he  serves; 
but  that  quiet  influence  which  the  wife  should 
exert  for  him — not,  believe  me,  by  attempting 
to  dictate  or  teach,  quite  the  reverse — I  have 
sought,  longed  for,  prayed  for,  for  twelve 
years,  but  have  never  yet  attained.  And  I  feel 
powerfully  as  if  I  had  been  your  hinderance, 
by  my  neglect  of  spiritual  conversation;  that 
it  is  one  of  my  wasted  opportunities,  and  that 
I  am  to  be  taken  away  as  an  utterly  useless 
being.  For  many  weeks  my  heart  has  been 
deeply  oppressed,  and  it  is  my  relief  to  shed 
many  tears. 

"My  Christian  course  has  been  a  singularly 
happy  one:  my  first  sight  of  the  atonement 
and  the  work  of  Christ  has  never  lost  its  clear- 
ness, and  my  mind  seems  incapable  of  long 
depression  as  to  my  personal  interest  in  Christ, 
from  that  my  refuge  never  being  concealed. 
This  is,  probably,  partly  from  my  natural  hope- 
fulness of  disposition.  For  many  long  weeks,  I 
have  lost  much  of  my  relish  for  my  Bible,  and 
but  for  the  influence  of  habit  and  conscience. 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS. 


225 


should  sometimes  neither  open  it  nor  repeat 
any  portion  of  it  to  myself,  for  a  whole  day. 
I  have  no  enjoyment  of  the  presence  of  God, 
and  literally,  I  have  gone  from  room  to  room 
here,  almost  unconsciously,  trying  whether  my 
absent  Lord  would  meet  me  anywhere:  noth- 
ing affords  me  any  pleasure;  'they  have  taken 
away  my  Lord,'  and  I  can  find  no  joy  without 
him.  I  do  not  feel  my  hope  in  Christ  shaken; 
this  is  the  bitterness  of  my  sorrow,  that  I  hope, 
unworthy  as  I  am,  he  has  bought  me  with  his 
own  most  precious  blood,  and  therefore  the  in- 
gratitude of  neglecting  his  will  is  so  base.  He 
delights  in  the  happiness  of  the  meanest  of  his 
creatures,  and  hides  not  his  face  but  in  faith- 
fulness and  love ;  and  that  such  a  Father 
should  have  such  a  child,  is  a  sorrow  indeed. 
It  amazes  me,  that  I  do  not  entirely  doubt  my 
adoption;  it  is  so  unlike  the  spirit  of  a  child 
in  his  family,  to  suspect  I  grieve  him,  and  yet 
spai'e  any  pains  till  the  cause  is  removed. 

"He  has  warned  me  by  sickness,  which 
loosens  many  a  tongue,  but  still  to  my  most 
beloved  husband  I  am  dumb.  Never  ^ave  I 
known  an  habitually  heavy  heart  till  this  win- 


226 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


ter,  and  now  there  seems  a  shade  over  every 
thing.  It  is  not  enough  to  hope  I  am  Christ's, 
if  I  do  not  glorify  him ;  and  insensibiUty  alone, 
such  as  mine,  must  be  most  offensive  to  Him 
who  loves  me,  and  takes  such  pains  to  teach 
me,  and  to  draw  me  nearer  to  himself.  Pray, 
0  pray  for  your  poor  wife;  it  is  one  comfort 
that  I  may  pray  for  you,  and  when  unable  to 
feel  any  other  prayer,  I  do  pray  with  my  whole 
heart  for  you.  Forgive  me  for  sending  you  this 
long  letter  about  myself,  but  it  is  such  a  relief 
to  feel  I  have  told  you  my  burden.  I  can 
sometimes  roll  it  on  Him  who  cares  for  me, 
but  the  recollection  of  unforsaken  sin  renews 
it.  Receive  a  full  heart  of  love  from  your  de- 
voted wife." 

Though  this  dark  cloud  continued,  with  some 
luminous  apertures,  for  about  six  months,  the 
same  cheerful  tone  of  conversation,  the  same 
efforts  to  help  others  out  of  their  troubles,  the 
same  anxiety  to  save  souls  which  she  mani- 
fested in  her  more  joyous  days,  pervaded  her 
conduct,  as  her  letters  of  this  period,  as  well 
as  the  testimony  of  her  friend  and  companion, 
abundantly  prove.    The  following  note  to  her 


AT  ST.  LEONARB'S  AND  HASTINGS. 


227 


father  shows  that,  ho^Yevel•  dark  the  valley 
through  which  she  was  walking,  she  obeyed 
the  advice  of  the  prophet,  to  stay  herself  upon 
her  Grod,  and  encouraged  him  to  the  same 
blessed  exercise: 

"I  am  but  a  poor  thing  at  present,  and  till 
the  night  perspirations  cease,  I  cannot  get  very 
robust.  Quiet,  which  is  so  very  necessary  for 
me,  is  perfectly  attainable  here,  and  every 
thing  is  so  peculiarly  comfortable,  that  I  stand 
every  chance  of  getting  better,  as  far  as  means 
and  comforts  avail.  But  One  only  can  heal, 
and  till  he  says  the  word,  your  Patty  must 
cheerfully  yield  to  the  little  inconveniences  oi 
weakness.  She  can  only  marvel  at  '  the  good- 
ness and  mercy'  which  surround  her,  and 
which  gave  to  her  the  kindest  and  most  indul- 
gent of  hu.sbands.  How  happy  shall  we  be, 
if  you  and  I,  with  the  loosening  of  our  little 
ties  to  earthly  comforts,  get  more  closely  united 
to  those  pure  and  tangible  joys  which  can  nev- 
er be  grasped  too  firmly.  The  more  we  look, 
with  the  simplicity  and  confidence  of  children, 
to  the  riches  which  are  treasured  up  in  Christ, 
as  our  Father's  portion,  provided  for  us  in  the 


228 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


unfathomable  depths  of  his  love  and  grace, 
surely  the  more  shall  we  love  him  and  his 
holiness.  We  must  '  behold  his  glory,  till  we 
are  changed  into  the  same  image  from  glory  to 
glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord :  and 
is  not  that  look  the  look  of  simple  faith — 
trusting  our  all  in  a  faithful,  loving  Father's 
hand — receiving  every  promise  in  Christ,  as 
'yea  and  amen,'  in  him?  Oh,  for  more  sim- 
plicity of  faith,  dear  father." 

Mr.  Orne,  a  city  mis.sionary  in  the  Surrey 
chapel  district,  who  had  shown  much  diligence 
and  devotedness  in  his  visitation  of  the  poor, 
lost  his  wife,  after  a  short  illness.  Though 
writing  at  this  period  occasioned  great  fatigue, 
she  willingly  made  the  sacrifice,  to  comfort  the 
widower's  heart,  and  sent  him  the  following 
sympathizing  letter : 

"St.  Leonard's,  April  26. 

"I  cannot  hear  of  the  deep  affliction  with 
which  our  heavenly  Father  has  visited  you, 
my  dear  sir,  without  writing  one  line,  though 
in  much  weakness,  to  express  my  very  deep 
and  sincere  sympathy  with  you  in  the  loss  of 
your  beloved  companion,  especially  when  her 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS. 


229 


maternal  care  was  most  needed.  I  would  not 
however  for  a  moment  refer  to  the  many  dark 
views  of  this  mysterious  dispensation,  but 
rather  help  to  cheer  you  by  the  same  means 
with  which  you  have  so  often  cheered  many 
drooping  widowed  hearts;  and  He  who  has 
witnessed  your  efforts  with  others,  fails  not,  I 
am  sure,  to  comfort  you  now.  Think  not,  my 
dear  sir,  of  your  own  loss,  but  of  the  'joy  un- 
speakable and  full  of  glory'  which  that  eman- 
cipated spirit  now  enjoys,  'without  spot,'  'with 
Christ,'  'like  him,'  and  no  longer  capable  of 
sin.  I  often  feel  consoled  under  my  'light 
affliction,'  with  the  confidence  I  have,  that 
could  our  faith  penetrate  our  Father's  designs 
in  our  bitterest  trials,  we  should  welcome  all, 
and  dread  as  much  the  loss  of  one  of  his  in- 
tended strokes  as  we  now  do  their  approach. 
If  his  faithful  love  could  accomplish  his  gra- 
cious plans  without  a  pang,  would  he  inflict 
it  ?  His  purposes  of  mercy  are  so  far  beyond 
our  finite  minds  to  comprehend,  that  he  does 
not  reveal  them  to  us  but  by  their  results;  in 
heaven  all  will  be  unfolded,  and  the  wrench 
that  separated  two  hearts  which  helped  each 


230 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


other  in  the  labors  and  toils  of  the  missionary's 
self-denying  path,  will  be  then  found  to  have 
been  one  great  proof  of  his  unchanging  love. 

"We  shall  soon  forget  the  thorny  path  when 
we  reach  our  Father's  home  and  see  the  '  Cap- 
tain of  our  salvation,'  the  'Man  of  sorrows,' 
whose  deeply  rugged  path  smoothed  ours,  and 
brought  us  to  '  an  inheritance  incorruptible  and 
undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away.'  I  doubt 
not  your  mission  is  to  be  advanced,  and  your 
usefulness  and  real  happiness  too,  by  this  blow; 
and  if  God  be  glorified,  your  beloved  one  per- 
fected in  bliss,  your  work  promoted*  and  your 
sanctification  advanced,  is  not  this  worth  suf- 
fering for?  God's  will  must  be  good  and 
kind;  and  the  'God  of  all  comfort'  will  not 
leave  you  comfortless.  May  he  grant  you  the 
richest  consolations  of  his  Spirit,  and  make  all 
grace  to  abound  towards  you,  and  by  every 
loosened  tie  to  earth  draw  you  nearer  to  heav- 
en, and  present  you  and  all  your  family  perfect 
in  that  day — not  one  child  missing." 

Persons  anxious  about  their  salvation,  in 
whom  there  seems  to  be  a  work  already  be- 
gun, often  multiply  objections  to  embracing 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS. 


231 


Christ  and  his  work  at  once,  as  if  an  improve- 
ment would  take  place  ere  long,  and  thus  ren- 
der them  better  able  to  seize  the  remedy  they 
long  to  enjoy.  They  forget  that  there  is  guilt 
in  this  delay,  which  is  every  day  aggravated, 
and  that,  instead  of  becoming  more  reconciled 
to  God's  plan,  the  longer  it  is  refused  tlie  more 
they  are  disinclined  to  it,  and  in  a  far  greater 
degree 'God  is  dishonored.  This  difficulty  had 
been  expressed  to  her,  in  a  letter  from  a  young 
person  to  whom  she  had  been  useful  in  draw- 
ing her  from  a  state  of  ignorance  and  neglect 
of  her  soul,  to  which  she  thus  replies: 

"St.  Leonard's,  May  G,  1847. 

"Your  former  letter, .my  dear  friend,  would 
have  been  answered  long  since,  but  I  have  been 
very  ill,  and  have  been  forbidden  to  write;  I 
am  thankful  to  say,  I  am  much  better  since  I 
came  here,  though  the  symptoms  still  continue. 
Night  perspirations  and  expectoration  of  blood, 
both  which  symptoms  I  had  not  last  winter, 
have  much  weakened  me,  and  the  progress  of 
the  disease  is  said  to  be  very  decided ;  but  as, 
in  the  kind  providence  of  God,  I  am  so  situated 
that  I  can  have  every  possible  care  and  no  ex- 


232 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


posure  to  cold,  there  is  every  hope  that  with  so 
good  a  constitution  as  I  possess,  I  may  yet  be 
spared  for  some  years;  though  perhaps  one 
severe  cold  would  speedily  cut  the  slender 
thread  which  hinds  the  frail  tabernacle  to  earth. 
I  have  all  my  family  and  the  youngest  of  three 
grandcjjildren  here,  so  we  are  a  tolerable  par- 
ty; but  I  am  not  excited  by  them,  they  make 
it  cheerful  for  me. 

"I  wish,  my  dear  friend,  I  could  spend  the 
hour  between  the  lights  as  formerly,  in  guiding 
you  to  'the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away 
the  sin  of  the  world ;'  there  I  love  to  look,  and 
there  I  find  a  'peace  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing,' but  nowhere  else.  If  I  look  within, 
I  hope  I  see  some  increasing  evidence  of  the 
Spirit's  work ;  but  while  I  would  rejoice  in 
the  smallest  proof  that  I  am  a  child  of  God, 
throvigh  his  work  in  my  heart,  I  cannot  draw 
my  peace  from  that,  but  from  the  completeness 
of  Christ's  work.  He  is  my  Prophet,  Priest, 
and  King;  and  therefore  while  he  lives,  and 
my  guilty  soul  clings  to  him,  I  am  safe;  but 
this  is  proved  only  by  my  growing  in  meetness 
to  dwell  with  him. 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINas.  233 

"It  is  very  important  to  keep  clearly  before 
the  mind  what  is  to  be  the  foundation  of  our 
peace.  'He  is  our  peace,'  and  there  is  no 
other  ground  for  hope  but  his  work,  by  which 
God  is  reconciled  to  man ;  though  we  are  saved 
only  when  by  faith  we  receive  his  atonement 
and  are  reconciled  to  God,  which  is  evidenced 
by  our  forsaking  that  from  which  Christ  died 
to  save  us.  We  cannot  have  received  Christ's 
salvation  if  we  continue  to  love  sin;  there  is 
no  meaning  in  Christ's  work,  apart  from  the 
sanctification  which  is  its  necessary  result. 
Sin  separates  us  from  God,  from  his  favor  here, 
and  his  presence  hereafter;  and  to  restore  us 
to  his  favor,  Christ  bore  our  punishment  and 
curse.  To  sustain  the  justice,  holiness,  and 
truth  of  God,  he  was  obedient  to  the  law  we 
had  broken;  and  to  restore  us  to  his  presence 
in  heaven,  he  sent  his  Spirit  to  renew  and  sanc- 
tify the  mind,  and  make  us  fit  for  and  capable 
of  enjoying  it.  But  all  these  blessings  flow 
from  Christ's  satisfaction  to  divine  justice,  so 
that  '  God  is  just,  and  the  justifier  of  the  sin- 
ner that  believeth  in  Jesus.' 

"My  dear  friend,  how  I  long  for  you  richly 


234 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


to  experience  the  two  distinct  fruits  of  Christ's 
work,  our  justification  through  his  blood  as  the 
foundation  of  our  hope,  and  the  Spirit's  work 
in  us  as  the  evidence  that  we  are  building  on 
that  only  foundation.  Your  poor  mind  still 
seems  so  confused  and  unsettled,  sometimes 
hoping,  sometimes  fearing ;  but  this  ought  not 
to  be.'.  We  are  either  converted  or  unconvert- 
ed ;  and  we  must  not  be  satisfied  in  uncertain- 
ty which  of  these  is  our  state,  when  heaven  or 
hell  is  the  result.  We  are  exhorted  to  give  all 
diligence  to  make  our  election  sure,  to  work 
out  our  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling, 
not  to  merit  salvation,  but  by  the  diligent  use 
of  every  means  of  grace,  watchfulness,  hu- 
mility, leaning  on  God,  resisting  sin,  fighting 
against  temptation,  and  above  all,  by  prayerful 
study  of  our  guide-book  the  Bible,  to  strive  for 
our  salvation,  and  against  every  thing  that 
would  impede  it.  You  must  not  rest  till  you 
are  reconciled  to  Grod ;  for  his  reconciliation  to 
man  is  of  no  avail  while  the  sinful  heart  is 
practically  at  enmity  with  him.  The  riches  of 
his  grace  and  love  are  displayed  in  the  amazing 
work  of  redemption,  which  removes  the  bar- 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  235 


rier  to  man's  salvation;  and  how  aggravated 
must  that  guilt  be  which  resists  and  trifles 
with  such  love,  which  can  linger  and  hesitate 
to  seize  its  rich  offers. 

"My  heart  grieves  to  look  back  and  see  how 
long  I  hesitated ;  desiring  to  be  a  Christian,  but 
forgetting  that  I  was  a  rebel  and  an  enemy  to 
God  so  long  as  I  was  not  one.  I  looked  at  my 
own  happiness,  and  therefore  desired  to  be  a 
Christian,  as  the  only  way  of  being  truly  and 
eternally  happy;  but  I  thought  not  that  I  was 
a  miracle  of  his  forbearance  while  out  of  hell, 
that  I  deserved  hell,  that  I  had  chosen  sin  and 
rejected  holiness,  that  I  had  no  good  thing  in 
me,  and  that  my  utter  destruction  would  be 
perfectly  just  and  righteous.  Grod's  mercy 
offered  me  salvation,  but  I  did  not  think  of  it 
as  such.  It  seemed  a  matter  only  between  my 
happiness  and  me,  quite  independent  of  God's 
honor;  and  this,  I  fear,  is  much  your  own 
state  of  mind,  which  makes  me  very  intensely 
anxious  that  you  should  pray  much  for  your 
eyes  to  be  opened  by  the  Spirit  of  God.  Such 
will  be  the  Christian's  prayer  all  the  way  to 
heaven,  and  how  needful  it  is  in  first  starting. 


236 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


"Our  eagerness  in  pursuit  of  any  object  de- 
pends upon  the  value  we  set  on  it,  and  till  we 
know  its  worth,  our  zeal  and  expectation  of 
success  are  not  likely  to  be  great.  Look  at 
wrestling  Jacob,  and  do  likewise:  'I  will  not 
let  thee  go,  except  thou  bless  me.'  I  was 
much  interested  in  last  Sunday's  collect:  '0, 
Almighty  God,  who  alone  canst  order  the  un- 
ruly wills  and  affections  of  sinful  men,  grant 
unto  thy  people  that  they  may  love  the  thing 
which  thou  commandest,  and  desire  that  which 
thou  dost  promise ;  that  so,  among  the  sundry 
and  manifold  changes  of  the  world,  our  hearts 
may  surely  there  be  fixed  where  true  joys  are 
to  be  found,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen.'  Do  mark  it,  and  use  it;  I  refer  par- 
ticularly to  desiring  what  Grod  has  promised. 
I  think  God's  promises  are  so  apt  to  be  over- 
looked by  the  seeker,  whereas  we  should  make 
ourselves  familiar  with  them  all,  and  use  them 
as  pleas  in  our  prayers. 

"  Do,  my  dear  friend,  search  your  Bible,  that 
you  may  be  conversant  with  its  sweet  and  gra- 
cious encouragements.  As  you  read,  copy 
every  promise  you  meet  with,  and  make  one 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS. 


237 


or  more  the  subject  of  thouglit  and  prayer 
through  the  day.  We  dishonor  God  by  under- 
valuing his  promises,  for  none  could  be  offered 
us  but  through  the  work  and  mediation  of 
Christ,  and  every  hope  and  promise  is  the  pur- 
chase of  his  most  precious  blood.  I  long  to 
see  you  rejoicing  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  enjoying 
that  'peace  of  God  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing,' because  that  'shall  keep  your  heart 
and  mind  through  Christ  Jesus.'  God's  '  peace ' 
is  not  a  mere  sentiment,  but  an  influential 
principle,  'keeping  the  heart  and  mind'  from 
sin  and  in  holiness.  "We  can  judge  whether 
the  peace  we  possess  is  true  or  false  by  its  in- 
fluence. Whatever  comes  from  God  tends  to 
God ;  and  that  only  which  separates  us  from 
sin,  and  conforms  our  will  and  conduct  to  God, 
comes  from  him. 

"Oh,  be  in  earnest,  my  dear  friend;  you 
must  not  yield  to  this  listlessness  and  inactivi- 
ty. I  carefully  shun  it  while  suffering  pain 
and  weakness,  because  I  consider  it  my  ene- 
my. How  much  more  should  you  determine 
against  it,  when  it  is  natural  to  you,  because 
the  least  weakness  or  illness  would  make  you 


238 


MARTHA  SHERMA-V. 


a  burden  to  yourself  and  others.  I  wish  I 
could  take  you  out  of  bed ;  while  you  allow 
yourself  to  sleep  when  you  should  be  dommun- 
ing  with  Grod,  and  laying  in  stores  of  grace 
and  knowledge  to  meet  the  circumstances  of 
the  day,  you  must  not  expect  to  have  the  evi- 
dence that  you  are  a  child  of  God,  for  you  put 
away  the  means  of  returning  to  him  by  self- 
indulgence  and,  must  I  say  it,  idleness.  I 
speak  honestly,  because  I  feel  deeply  anxious 
about  you,  and  utter  most  earnest  prayer  and 
desires  for  your  speedy  decision  for  God." 

When  some,  to  whom  she  had  been  useful, 
felt  their  hope  of  her  restoration  begin  to  ex- 
pire, and  that  they  were  to  be  permanently 
deprived  of  her  services,  their  grief  was  ex- 
pressed, as  she  thought,  in  too  strong  terms, 
which  exhibited  a  want  of  submission  to  the 
divine  will,  and  reflected  on  the  love  and  wis- 
dom of  God.  In  reply  to  one  of  her  spiritual 
children  she  turns  comforter,  and  thus  incul- 
cates acceptance  of  her  Father's  discipline : 

"Marina.  May  25.  1S47. 

"I  feel,  my  dear  child,  as  if  I  had  no  right 
to  the  endearing  title  of  teacher  now,  except 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  239 

from  the  remembrance  of  past  happy  days.  I 
have  learnt  some  of  my  sweetest  lessons  in 
my  beloved  class,  and  the  last  subjects  we  had 
have  peculiarly  comforted  my  mind  throughout 
my  late  affliction.  How  delightful  are  the  dis- 
coveries of  the  divine  character  in  the  offices 
of  the  triune  Grod,  and  how  sweet  to  be  per- 
mitted to  say,  '  This  is  my  Beloved,  and  this  is 
my  Friend.'  '  This  Grod  is  our  Grod  for  ever 
and  ever.'  God's  greatest  promise  to  Abra- 
ham was,  '  I  will  be  a  God  to  thee,  and  to  thy 
seed  after  thee.'  And  this  also  is  the  New 
Testament  promise:  happy  are  we,  my  child, 
though  every  earthly  joy  were  withdrawn. 
While  he  is  our  God,  why  mourn  the  loss  of 
the  poor  little  murmuring  stream  that  once 
brought  to  your  feet  some  few  refreshing  drops 
from  the  fountain.  You  have  the  fountain  it- 
.self,  unmixed  with  human  errors  and  infirmi- 
ties. We  ought  to  prize  even  the  dew-drop, 
which  our  Father  so  graciously  sends  to  re- 
fresh and  help  us  in  our  weary  pilgrimage; 
but  we  must  receive  it  as  a  dew-drop  only,  not 
as  the  stream  from  whence  we  are  to  draw 
our  strength  for  the  way. 


240 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


"  Welcome  every  appointment  of  your  loving 
Father's  hand.  If  you  feel  it  a  trial  to  be  with- 
out your  old  friend,  when  I  have  furnished  you, 
or  rather,  Grod  has,  with  so  experienced  and 
superior  a  substitute,  what  must  I  feel,  thus 
laid  aside  from  all  my  most  beloved  occupa- 
tions, truly,  as  far  as  I  can  see,  '  a  cumberer 
of  the  ground,'  panting  to  employ  my  little 
energy  for  Him  who  loved  me  and  died  for 
me,  but  suffering  serious  relapse  as  soon  as  I 
make  an  effort?  This  requires  the  full  exer- 
cise of  that  faith  I  have  recommended  to  oth- 
ers, to  believe  that  all  these  things  are  work- 
ing together  for  good,  and  are  God's  method 
for  glorifying  himself.  I  know  he  is  working 
while  I  am  still,  and  he  is  crossing  my  desires 
to  prepare  me  for  that  perfect  rejoicing  in  his 
will  which  is  found  only  in  heaven,  but  which 
we  must  labor  and  pray  for  here.  I  cannot 
wish  for  any  thing  besides  my  Lord's  will 
now,  but  there  I  shall  fully  rejoice  in  it  all. 

"Now,  my  child,  as  you  know  you  will  in 
heaven  rejoice  in  this  trial,  seek  to  discern  the 
lovely  character  of  God  more,  that  you  may 
rejoice,  not  in  the  thing  itself,  but  io  God's 


AT  ST.  LEOKARD'S  AND  HASTINaS. 


241 


appointm  ;  however  dark  they  seem  now,  it 
is  because  we  know  so  httle  both  of  God  and 
of  his  designs.  As  we  grow  in  grace  we  must 
grow  in  'the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Sav- 
iour Jesus  Christ;'  and  as  we  advance  in  the 
•true  knowledge  of  him  every  other  grace  ad- 
vances, and  our  whole  life,  character,  and  ex- 
ample, prove  whose  we  are,  and  for  whom  we 
are  living.  Let  us  keep  heaven  in  view  as  our 
home,  and  then  we  shall  prize  every  means  our 
Father  sends  to  help  us  on  our  way  thither. 
Give  my  most  affectionate  love  to  my  beloved 
friends  in  the  class." 

Mrs.  Sherman  had  sojourned  nearly  two 
months  at  St.  Leonard's,  and  her  active  mind, 
amidst  much  depression  and  weakness,  had 
found  ample  employment.  One  of  her  efforts 
while  there  may  be  specially  mentioned.  The 
Countess  S.,  of  Weistricht,  in  Silesia,  begged 
her  to  interest  herself  in  finding  an  English 
lady  who  would  be  a  companion  to  her,  and 
at  the  same  time  conduct  the  instruction  of 
her  child.  With  an  energy  which  would  have 
honored  a  person  in  health  and  comfort,  she 
wrote  numerous  letters  to  friends,  to  assist  her 


242 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


in  this  selection.  The  distance  from  England 
and  the  residence  in  a  foreign  land,  though 
presenting  many  advantages,  were  formidahle 
difficulties,  which,  after  some  had  accepted  the 
situation,  caused  them  to  alter  their  minds  and 
decline  it.  In  two  cases,  every  thing  was  ar- 
ranged for  the  departure,  but  relatives  inter- 
fered and  broke  the  engagement.  Still  she 
pursued  her  task  as  if  she  was  seeking  a  ben- 
efit to  herself,  and  did  not  cease  till  she  sent 
the  countess  a  lady  whose  piety  and  talents 
have  justified  her  hopes  and  efforts. 

As  the  spring  advanced,  a  change  was  again 
thought  desirahle,  and  she  removed  to  London 
on  the  4th  of  June,  1847.  There  was  every 
reason  to  fear  that  no  radical  improvement  had 
taken  place  in  her  symptoms;  the  visit  to  the 
sea  had  yielded  refreshment,  and  the  dark 
cloud  upon  her  mind  was  not  so  dense  as  it 
had  been;  still,  the  disease  was  progressing 
with  slow  but  certain  steps.  She  bore  the 
journey  with  comparative  ease,  and  her  "own 
dear  home"  was  the  sweeter  for  her  brief  ab- 
sence. Many  hearts  were  gladdened  by  her 
return ;  her  very  presence  at  the  parsonage  not 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINaS.  243 

only  delighted  its  inmates,  but  cast  an  air  of 
melancholy  pleasure  over  the  congregation ;  for 
all  felt  that  a  dear  friend,  though  an  invalid, 
was  among  them.  When  her  cough  permitted 
her  to  attend  worship,  to  catch  a  glance  at  her 
cheerful  face  as  she  sat  in  the  vestry,  or  as  she 
passed  to  the  house  after  the  service  was  con- 
cluded, was  considered  hy  many,  especially  by 
her  classes,  as  an  additional  Sabbath  joy ;  and 
as  long  as  she  was  able  to  show  herself  among 
them,  hope  lingered  as  to  her  final  restoration. 
Her  weakness  was  however  excessive,  and  on 
some  days  occasioned  the  most  pitiable  ex- 
haustion; yet,  as  soon  as  she  rallied,  some 
work  of  mercy  engaged  her  Christ-like  mind. 

A  person  who  acknowledged  Mrs.  Sherman 
had  begotten  her  in  Christ,  by  the  gospel,  and 
concerning  whose  spiritual  welfare  she  was 
much  interested,  sent  her  a  letter,  in  which 
she  attributed  unchristian  motives  to  an  excel- 
lent clergyman,  because  he  thought  it  best  to 
enlarge  the  parish  church,  rather  than  build  a 
district  church,  which  she  and  some  others  of 
the  parishioners  preferred.  She  was  not  only 
offended  at  his  conduct,  but  placed  it  among 


244 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


the  inconsistencies  of  Christians,  which  kept 
her  and  others  back  from  a  more  public  decis- 
ion for  Christ.  To  that  friend  the  following 
judicious  advice  was  sent: 

"SuRRiiY  Parsonage,  June  29,  1847. 

"Your  last  note,  my  dear  friend,  has  given 
me  much  anxiety  on  your  account,  as  the  spirit 
of  complaint  and  judging  which  it  breathes  is 
not  only  unlovely,  but  appears  to  interfere 
with  your  own  decision  for  God.  How  I  wish 
I  could  talk  with  you  on  the  subject:  it  is  so 
difficult  to  express  my  meaning  on  paper,  es- 
pecially in  this  time  of  weakness ;  but  I  must 
try  what  I  can  do,  and  you  must  have  patience 
with  me  while  I  differ  from  you  In  the  first 
place,  I  think  your  impugning  your  minister's 
intentions  very  wrong,  as  you  cannot  say  that 
you  are  sure  his  motives  are  the  love  of  money. 
I  think,  from  what  I  hear,  the  fear  of  a  Pusey- 
ite  filling  the  pulpit  is  more  correct;  but  this 
he  must  not  announce,  as  it  necessarily  reflects 
on  that  system  which  involves  such  a  possibili- 
ty. There  is,  at  any  rate,  much  reason  in  his 
preference  of  an  enlargement  of  a  small  church 
to  the  erection  of  a  new  one,  with  the  possi- 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINCtS.  245 

bility  of  error,  instead  of  the  pure  gospel,  pro- 
ceeding from  its  minister. 

"But  supposing  that  you  really  have  the 

power  to  discern  the  motives  of  Mr.  C  ,  and 

suppose  he  is  even  worse  than  you  represent 
him,  what  has  that  to  do  with  the  truth  itself? 
Suppose  ninety  out  of  every  hundred  profess- 
ed Christians  dishonored  their'  profession,  and 
*  went  back  and  walked  no  more  with '  Jesus, 
could  their  iniquity  touch  him,  or  weaken  the 
stability  of  his  truth?  Oh,  how  miserable 
would  the  Christian's  hope  be,  if  even  the 
whole  world,  combined  with  Satan  and  his 
angels,  could  touch  or  shake  its  deep-laid,  its 
eternal  foundation.  All  are  against  Grod  by 
nature,  and  if  their  enmity  could  weaken  the 
efficacy  of  Christ's  complete  work  of  redemp- 
tion, or  its  blessed  results,  God  would  himself — 
I  speak  with  reverence — cease  to  be  God :  if 
there  be  a  greater  in  power,  he  cannot  be  God. 
Think  what  is  involved  in  your  being  discour- 
aged because  of  an  uncharitable  impression 
against  another;  can  you  ever  have  laid  hold 
on  Christ  as  the  only  and  the  all-sufficient 
refuge  of  your  sin-ruined  soul,  if  such  a  pufF 


246 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


can  blow  your  little  bark  from  its  safe  moor- 
ings? Something  is  fearfully  wanting,  my 
dear  friend,  or  it  could  not  be;  while  you  are 
judging  another's  motives,  time  is  hastening 
you  on  to  that  moment  when  the  bark  that  is 
not  firmly  cabled  and  anchored  on  the  Rock  of 
ages,  shall  be  utterly  destroyed  in  the  storm  of 
divine  wrath  which  shall  visit  the  world  of  the 
ungodly. 

"Oh,  my  dear  friend,  I  weep  while  I  write, 
and  fear  it  possible  that  you  are  yet  without 

Christ.  This  impression  of  Mr.  C  's  conduct 

is  a  test  applied  to  your  faith,  and  can  you  not 
bear  so  slight  a  one?  How  then  could  you 
bear  the  probable  scoffs  of  the  world,  when 
you  take  up  your  cross  and  come  out  from  it 
to  follow  Jesus?  Has  his  love  no  room  in  the 
heaVt;  can  you  question  its  manifestation  with 
such  glorious  proofs  all  around  you  ?  Remem- 
ber our  Saviour's  rebuke  to  Peter's  curiosity: 
'What  is  that  to  thee?  follow  thou  me;'  and 
what  would  he  say  when  you  make  a  stum- 
bling-block for  yourself  out  of  nothing;  for 
even  if  you  are  correct,  what  can  it  be  to  you 
beyond  Christian  sympathy  for  an  offender? 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  247 

You  must  know  in  whom  you  believe,  and 
why  you  believe,  or  you  will  not  only  be  des- 
titute of  all  'peace  and  joy  in  believing,'  but 
bring  a  far  more  fearful  dishonor  on  your  pro- 
fession than  even  the  poor  accused  one.  Pray, 
pray  much  for  deliverance  from  this  sad  insta- 
bility which  can  only  injure  and  'never  excel.' 
Read  and  'search  the  Scriptures,'  that  your 
mind  may  be  more  enlightened  'in  knowledge 
and  in  all  love,'  that  you  may  '  adorn  the  doc- 
trine of  G-od  our  Saviour  in  all  things.' " 

Country  air  was  soon  found  to  be  necessary, 
and  the  dear  invalid  at  the  beginning  of  July 
repaired  to  her  honored  father's  charming  abode 
at  Enfield,  anticipating  that  in  the  autumn  a 
continental  tour  would  aid  her  recovery;  she 
alludes  to  this  design  in  the  following  ex- 
tracts : 

"I  am  really  very  poorly,  and  so  faint  that 
every  effort  seems  almost  impracticable,  and 
though  I  do  try  to  rise  above  it,  I  fear  Sunday 
evening  services  must  be  abandoned.  I  am 
very  unwilling  to  believe  they  can  injure,  but 
the  oppression  I  feel  on  my  chest  and  lungs  at 
the  time,  and  the  prostration  of  strength  after- 


24S 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


wards,  compel  me  to  acknowledge  I  am  hasten- 
ing the  progress  of  disease  by  attending -them. 
My  precious  friend,  how  humiliating  it  is  to 
find  the  tabernacle  which  must  soon  be  taken 
down  so  powerful  an  impediment  to  the  prog- 
ress of  its  immortal  inhabitant ;  is  it  not  ? 
When  I  can  for  a  moment  look  beyond  '  the 
things  which  are  seen,'  the  beloved  ones  on 
earth,  I  long  to  be  'with  Christ,'  no  more  dis- 
honoring and  grieving  him,  but  bearing  his 
perfect  likeness,  and  serving  him  without  in- 
terruption, or  weakness,  or  sin.  But  if  as- 
sured that  this  shall  at  last  be  my  joy,  how 
light  every  disappointment  becomes ;  it  is  even 
my  choice  sometimes — I  would  it  were  always 
so — because  there  are  great  and  gracious  pur- 
poses in  the  divine  mind,  which  by  this  means 
are  to  be  accomplished,  and  any  trial  is  more 
welcome  than  the  failure  of  one  of  his  designs ; 
they  are  as  his  character — love,  faithfulness, 
and  truth.  Even  if  others,  not  myself,  are  to 
gain  the  benefit,  it  amply  repays  for  the  pres- 
ent trial." 

Her  elevated  state  of  peaceful  submission 
and  entire  confidence  in  her  heavenly  Father's 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  249 

love,  is  deliglitfuUy  exemplified  in  the  senti- 
ments extracted  from  a  letter  sent  to  a  dear 
young  friend  in  Lancashire. 

'•Clay  Hill,  July  10,  1847. 

"  Though  my  correspondence  has  been,  and 
is  likely  to  be  almost  entirely  prohibited,  I  can- 
not extend  that  prohibition  to  you,  my  dear 
friend.  Delay  you  will  not  interpret  as  indif- 
ference, and  therefore  when  I  can  venture  to 
break  my  rules,  it  shall  be  on  your  behalf.  I 
am  here.  I  sunk  so  rapidly  in  London,  that  I 
was  obliged  to  take  flight,  though  I  really  be- 
lieve the  atmosphere  had  much  less  to  do  with 
it  than  the  circum.stances  and  unavoidable 
excitements.  I  rejoice  to  hear  you  are  better, 
and  I  almost  envy  you  the  privileges  now  so 
impracticable  for  me,  of  telling  others  of  a  Sav- 
iour's love.  The  cough  and  its  attendants 
invariably  increase  with  talking,  and  conse- 
quently I  am  scarcely  allowed  to  see  any  one. 
This  I  feel  the  severest  part  of  my  present  trial, 
as  it  .seems  so  difficult  to  glorify  Grod  in  such 
perfect  retirement.  He  sees  and  marks  the 
spirit  with  which  I  bear  his  holy  will,  but  I 
cannot  stimulate  others,  either  by  passive 


250 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


example,  or  by  testifying  of  his  love,  when, 
only  with  my  little  circle  of  home.  They  see 
me  always,  and  what  I  would  tell,  I  have  often 
told  them  before,  so  that  I  think  even  were  my 
spirit  all  it  should  be,  they  would  not  gain 
equal  benefit  with  others  who  might  only  occa- 
sionally visit  me ;  do  not  you  think  this  is  gen- 
erally true  ? 

"But  though  even  prohibited  from  long  in- 
tercourse with  my  precious  children,  which  is 
a  very  keen  trial,  yet  I  think  my  heart  approves 
of  it,  because  my  Father  does  it ;  and  he  has 
infinitely  wise  and  loving  purposes  to  accom- 
plish, which,  if  I  could  see  and  understand 
them  now,  would  make  me  long  for  the  very 
trials  from  which  I  shrink.  It  is  sweet  to  trust 
a  faithful  Father ;  and  that  exefcise  of  mind  to 
which  he  calls  us,  when  we  cannot  see  what 
he~is  working,  is  sometimes  in  the  hands  of  the 
Spirit  of  love  the  very  choicest  blessing  to  the 
soul.  Every  fresh  exercise  of  trust  and  confi- 
dence in  him  strengthens  and  prepares  for  yet 
stronger  confidence,  for  greater  joy  in  the  Lord, 
for  more  unbroken  'peace  in  believing.'  And 
what  a  boon  this  is,  to  feel  earthly  and  lauda- 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS. 


251 


ble  sources  of  enjoyment  receding  from  our 
touch,  yet  our  happiness  not  only  undiminish- 
ed, but  growing  exceedingly  in  degree  and  in 
kind,  by  realizing  how  entirely  independent  it 
is  of  all  created  sources,  how  immediately  from 
the  fountain,  God.  We  are  so  prone,  after  all, 
to  cling  to  some  earthly  thing,  Avhich,  even  if 
a  spiritual  and  hallowed  thing  in  itself,  yet  be- 
comes a  snare,  by  the  tenacity  with  which  we 
hold  it,  that  our  Father's  love  often  takes  from 
us  even  this,  lest  a  rival,  though  a  holy  one, 
enter  the  heart  with  him.  The  fulness  of  his 
love  can  never  be  understood  till  no  rival  is 
there — till  he  has  the  sole  sovereignty,  without 
a  thought  of  another ;  and  to  secure  this  unut- 
terable joy,  he  sends  trial  upon  trial,  to  wean 
us  from  the  beloved,  but  too  engrossing  object, 
that  we  '  may  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of 
God.' 

"  How  I  should  love  to  join  you  at  ,  but 

I  am  not  now  well  enough  to  bear  a  journey. 
We  intended  to  spend  part  of  July  and  all  Au- 
gust on  the  continent,  but  there  is  no  prospect 
of  my  removing  from  Enfield.  I  am  better, 
and  by  keeping  perfectly  quiet  1  hope  soon  to 


252  MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


do  comfortably  again ;  if  not,  I  am  quite  satis- 
fied. Yes,  through  the  riches  of  His  grace  we 
know  in  whom  we  have  believed,  and  are  per- 
suaded, etc.  Who  are  we  that  we  should  be 
thus  happy,  while  so  many  in  our  own  cir» 
cle  are  fearing  to  appropriate  the  great  salva- 
tion? What  a  debt  we  owe,  and  who  can 
pay  it?  '  Eternity's  too  short  to  utter  all  His 
praise.' " 

It  was  customary,  when  any  member  left 
her  class  to  be  a  teacher,  to  take  with  her  the 
credentials  of  her  instructress,  and  often  a  let- 
ter of  advice  and  encouragement.  A  young 
person  who  had  devoted  some  of  her  Sabbath 
evenings  in  one  of  the  ragged-schools  belong- 
ing to  Surrey  chapel,  wrote  to  ask  her  sanc- 
tion to  become  a  teacher,  morning  and  after- 
noon, in  another  Sunday-school.  The  following 
extract  will  serve  as  a  specimen  of  such  pre- 
cious epistles: 

"Clay  Hill,  August  16,  1847. 

"I  have  always  pleasure  in  my  dear  young 
friends'  leaving  the  class  to  be  teachers,  as  the 
prominent  design  of  its  formation  is  to  qualify 
young  persons  for  the  office,  by  cultivating  an 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  253 


increased  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  not  only 
in  the  letter,  but  in  the  spirit ;  and  by  this  in- 
strumentality, accompanied  with  divine  influ- 
ence, to  form  and  advance  the  Christian  char- 
acter, and  to  fit  them  to  be  laborers  in  (rod's 
vineyard,  that  they  may  tell  others  the  way  to 
eternal  life  which  they  have  found  themselves. 
Now,  my  dear  child,  you  are  entering  on  new 
and  solemn  responsibilities;  you  have  spoken 
probably  for  the  last  time  to  your  class  at  Jur- 
ston-street — how  will  you  meet  those  precious 
souls  at  the  last  day  ?  Are  you  clear  of  their 
blood  ?  Have  you  earnestly,  prayerfully  sought 
nothing  less  than  their  salvation?  Follow  up 
those  past  efforts  with  constant  prayer,  and  do 
not  allow  yourself  to  think  you  have  done  with 
them.  No ;  there  is  a  sort  of  sacred  tie  between 
the  teacher  and  the  taught  which  nothing  can 
destroy,  and  which  eternity  will  develope  in  all 
its  solemnity.  I  feel  this  deeply  myself,  and 
naturally  wish  you  to  feel  it  too,  but  more 
profitably  than  I  have  done. 

"You  are  now  going  to  meet  other  minds, 
to  whom  you  have  the  same  message  to  carry, 
that  '  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save 


254 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


sinners ;'  think  of  all  the  points  in  which  you 
were  deficient  as  a  teacher  at  Jurston-street, 
and  direct  your  efforts  to  correct  them,  and 
with  earnest  prayer  and  never-tiring  diligence, 
labor  to  be  an  example  to  teachers  and  schol- 
ars, and  especially  to  your  own  class,  of  emi- 
nent practical  piety.  Let  it  shine,  not  only  on 
the  Sabbath  and  in  religious  exercises,  but  at 
all  times,  in  every  look  and  habit,  whether 
seen  by  others  or  not.  The  Christian  charac- 
ter is  moulded  more  by  little  than  by  great 
things,  and  the  habits  of  the  Christian  have 
much  to  do  with  his  progress,  either  for  good 
or  evil.  Cultivate  habits  of  constant  commun- 
ion with  Grod ;  associate  them  with  every  thing 
you  do;  this  will  check  sinful  inclinations,  in- 
jurious reading  and  companionship,  as  well  as 
other  evils,  and  render  the  common  things  of 
life  blessings  to  your  soul.  Thus,  your  real 
practical  piety  will  grow,  and  will  render  you 
an  efficient  teacher  of  others. 

"Let  nothing  tempt  you  to  neglect  prepar- 
ing for  your  class;  never  offer  tc  God  that 
wloich  costs  you  nothing ;  your  interest  in  your 
work  much  depends  on  this,  and  your  intelli- 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  255 


gence  also;  you  will  feel  increased  interest  in 
the  truth  itself  by  applying  your  mind  prayer- 
fully to  understand  it.  Ever  strive  to  make 
the  way  of  salvation  clear  to  the  mind  of  every 
child.  Christ  alone — crucified,  risen,  and  glo- 
rified— is  the  foundation,  without  which  no 
piety  can  be  expected  to  arise.  He  is  our 
hope,  and  every  motive  to  holiness  and  obe- 
dience flows  from  hence.  'We  love  him  be- 
cause he  first  loved  us.'" 

One  of  the  members  of  her  Sunday  class 
M'as  called  into  eternity  after  a  brief  illness. 
This  event  inspired  her  with  new  strength  to 
seize  the  favorable  opportunity  to  produce  suit- 
able impressions  on  the  minds  of  the  living.  It 
seems  written  with  eternity  full  in  view,  and 
as  it  was  the  last  document  which  they  re- 
ceived from  the  pen  of  their  precious  teacher, 
it  will  be  to  the  members  a  permanent  testi- 
mony of  her  faithful  love  and  continued  long- 
ing for  their  salvation,  while  ability  existed  to 
express  it. 

"Clay  Hill,  August  17,  1847. 

*  "My  beloved  Friends — It  seems  to  me  a 
very  long  time  since  I  had  the  pleasure  of 


256 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


writing  to  you,  but  it  is  an  occupation  so  ex- 
hausting to  my  strength,  that  though  I  would 
risk  the  suffering  for  the  hope  of  usefulness,  my 
dear  kind  friends  interfered  and  forbade  the  at- 
tempt; but  I  can  wait  no  longer,  and  therefore 
hoping  for  the  best,  and  intending  to  write  very 
little,  I  set  to  work  with  a  heart  so  full,  that 
neither  time  nor  paper  will  satisfy  me.  Per- 
haps you  thinlv  I  am  old  enough  to  act  with- 
out the  control  of  friends.  I  might  do  so  per- 
haps, but  our  Saviour,  remember,  'pleased  not 
himself;'  his  will  was  not  his  rule,  as  it  is  with 
too  many  of  us  naturally.  But  when  the  grace 
of  Grod  renews  the  mind,  all  the  principles  of 
action  are  reversed,  and  instead  of  first  seek- 
ing to  please  ourselves,  and  then,  if  it  give  us 
no  trouble,  or  be  to  our  own  interest,  pleasing 
others,  the  rule  now  is  love ;  self  is  cast  down 
like  Dagon  before  the  ark,  and  the  first  in- 
quiry is.  How  can  I  please  God?  then,  How 
can  I  please  those  around  me  ?  and  there  is  far 
more  happiness  in  making  a  great  sacrifice  of 
our  own  inclinations  for  the  pleasure  of  anoth- 
er, than  the  most  selfish  being  ever  gained  by 
making  every  thing  give  way  to  please  himself 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  257 

Where  ]ove  to  God  and  man  is  implanted 
in  the  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit's  blessed  influ- 
ences, we  scarcely  need  be  reminded  that  we 
are  not  to  please  ourselves ;  for  the  lovely  cata- 
logue  of  graces  described  so  repeatedly  in  the 
Scriptures — and  which  I  should  ask  you  to  re- 
fresh me  by  reading  to  me  this  moment,  if  you 
were  by  my  side — necessarily  spring  up  one 
after  the  other,  as  we  'grow  in  grace,'  till  we 
bear  the  lovely  though  faint  image  of  our  in- 
carnate Lord.    I  am  sure  you  are  all  too  well 
instructed  to  mistalic  my  meaning,  and  to 
suppose  this  touches  your  decision  for  Christ 
when  that  is  opposed.    No;  to  give  up  Christ 
to  pletise  others  would  not  be  folio  win  g  the 
principle  of  love,  which  would   make  you 
ready  to  relinquish  your  personal  ease  or  grati- 
fication for  another.    The  one  will  make  you 
a  blessing  in  your  family,  and  contribute  to 
every  one's  comfort:  the  other  would  make 
you  despicable  in  the  eyes  of  those  whom  you 
seek  to  please  at  such  a  price,  and  0,  how 
utterly  despised  in  the  sight  of  God. 

"My  beloved  friends,  I  believe  many  of  you 
have  around  you  those  who  spare  no  pains  to 

Sherman.  J  "7 


258 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


draw  you  from  Christ;  and  will  you  listen  to 
such  cruel  soul-destroying  friends^  falsely  so 
called?  The  apostle  describes  the  depths  of 
misery  in  which  the  natural  mind  is,  by  that 
most  striking  and  comprehensive  statement, 
'without  Christ,'  'without  God,'  and  'without 
hope;'  and  while  He  waits  to  be  your  eternal 
portion,  and  ofters  himself  to  you,  will  you 
gratify  a  miserable  lost  fellow-sinner  by  yield- 
ing to  the  advice  which  must  be  his  eternal 
ruin  as  well  as  yours,  if  followed  ?  No ;  I  dare 
not  believe  that  you  have  to  so  little  purpose 
heard  of  the  'height  and  depth,  and  length  . 
and  breadth  of  love'  to  you — of  the  joys  which 
far  outweigh  the  crosses  of  his  service — of  the 
supplies  of  grace  from  himself,  proportioned  to 
every  degree  of  your  need  which  he  has  prom- 
ised so  many  times,  and  bestowed  upon  many 
whom  you  know — of  the  sense  of  his  unseen 
presence  here,  and  of  his  immediate  and  eter- 
nal presence  in  heaven,  to  which  his  Spirit  is 
to  be  your  constant  guide  and  teacher;  and 
besides  these,  the  unnumbered  supplies  of 
blessings  to  even  the  very  meanest  and  feeblest 
of  his  flock.     With  all  these  so  frequently 


AT  ST.  LEOKARD'S  AND  HASTINaS.  259 

brought  before  you,  can  you  be  tempted  to 
forsake  him  to  please  a  worldly  friend,  one 
who  is  an  enemy  to  him,  and  as  certainly  to 
you? 

"Read  that  beautiful  hymn,  beginning, 
'When  any  turn  from  Zion's  way,'  and  resolve, 
not  in  your  own  strength,  but  in  His,  that  you 
will  'come  out  from  among'  those  companions 
who  would  entice  you  from  him  either  by  influ- 
ence or"  example.  But  if  your  own  family,  and 
those  with  whom  duty  bids  you  live,  entice, 
fear  not;  God  is  on  your  side.  He  knows  the 
most  minute  circumstance  that  occurs.  He 
has  in  kindness  and  faithfulness  put  you  into 
this  fiery  furnace  to  try  your  love,  to  purge 
away  the  dross  and  sin  which  interrupt  the 
formation  of  his  image  in  your  souls ;  and  he 
sits  by,  watching  the  progress  of  this  refining 
process.  It  is  often  the  means  he  employs  to 
fit  for  eminent  usefulness  in  his  church;  and 
when  he  sees  his  own  image  reflected  in  you, 
your  will  moulded  into  his,  your  love  of  sin  and 
self  eradicated,  and  holiness  your  joy,  then  the 
precious  one  in  his  sight  will  be  not  another 
moment  in  the  furnace.    Therefore,  instead  oi 


■  260 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


weeping,  and  sometimes  I  fear  repining,  at 
yom-  distressing  position,  rather  weep  that  you 
are  so  slow  to  get  the  blessing  he  is  working 
for  you.  Take  courage,  and  seek  to  win  your 
persecutors  to  Jesus,  by  the  heavenly  and 
Christ-like  spirit  with  which  you  bear  their 
opposition ;  thus  you  may  bring  honor  to  your 
Saviour  at  least,  if  not  salvation  eventually  to 
them. 

"I  could  write  much  more  than  my  paper 
or  strength  would  allow  on  this  point,  but  I 
must  liow  refer  to  the  solemn  event  which  has 
suddenly  removed  from  your  number  one  so 
young,  lovely,  and  apparently  strong  and 
healthy.  Death  has  rarely  visited  that  dear 
class,  and,  Who  shall  be  the  next?  is  an  in- 
quiry for  each;  or  rather,  How  shall  I  meet 
God,  should  I  be  the  next?  It  is  not  for  us  to 
pass  judgment  on  the  dead;  perhaps,  were  it 
ours  to  do  so,  she  was  one  more  than  usually 
difficult  to  describe,  as  to  the  state  in  which 
death  met  her.  Slie  had  many  struggles  with 
a  worldly  heart,  and  through  the  faithful  and 
continual  efforts  of  one  of  your  number,  she  at 
times  seemed  almost  a  Christian ;  conscious, 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  261 

apparently,  that  she  could  never  be  happy  till 
she  had  renounced  her  vain  pleasures  and 
worldly  character,  yet  too  little  affected  with 
the  awful  character  of  sin  in  the  sight  of  God, 
either  to  repent  of  it  or  to  prize  the  great  and 
only  atonement.  Had  she  seen  these  points 
aright  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  we  know  she  could 
not  have  wavered  between  Christ  and  the 
world. 

"It  is  from  pur  not  feeling  the  awful  evil  ol 
sin,  that  we  do  not  prize  the  precious  work  of 
Christ  for  our  redemption;  and  the  mind  is 
either  quite  undecided  for  God,  or  if  his  service 
be  chosen,  piety  is  but  a  very  feeble  spark, 
bringing  little  or  no  glory  to  him.  0,  my  be- 
loved friends,  bring  not  a  divided  heart  to  such 
a  Friend  and  Saviour.  _  He  demands,  not  only 
by  his  authority  and  right,  but  by  his  immeas- 
urable love  to  you,  all  your  heart.  '  Present 
your  whole  spirit,  soul,  and  body,  a  living  sac- 
rifice to  him,'  and  when  you  have  given  up  all, 
even  if  you  were  called  to  such  a  sacrifice, 
what  have  you  done  for  such  a  Saviour;  and 
what  have  you  lost,  compared  with  what  you 
have  gained  in  possessing  him  and  his  great 


262  MARTHA  SHERMAN. 

salvation?  0,  aim  at  exalted  piety,  at  emi- 
nent holiness,  at  extensive  usefulness,  you  who 
bear  the  Christian  name;  and  you  who  are  not 
his,  0  think  how  death  seized  your  friend — we 
sometimes  fear,  tiiough  we  cannot  bear  the 
thought — while  hesitating;  there  is  no  middle 
state  before  God.  She  was  in  Christ,  and 
eternally  safe,  or — dreadful  thought ! — with- 
out Christ  and  without  hope ;  and  can  you  wait 
another  moment  without  an  earnest  prayer, 
while  hearing  this  letter,  that  you  may  rather 
be  destitute  of  home,  of  food,  of  friends,  of  every 
thing  necessary  to  your  existence,  than  with- 
out Christ? 

"By  every  argument  of  which  love  can  con- 
ceive, I  would  implore  each  of  you  to  make  the 
decision  this  moment,  that  you  will  'give  Grod 
no  rest'  until  he  has  made  you  his  child,  and 
till  you  may  call  him  your  Father,  your  'own 
God.'  Send  your  mental  prayer  to  him  before 
you  go  home;  there  get  by  yourself  and  tell 
him  without  disguise  how  entirely  insensible 
you  are  to  your  state  in  his  sight,  and  that  you 
do  not  value  Christ  or  his  salvation  in  conse- 
quence; tell  him  how  this  aggravates  your 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINaS.  263 


guilt,  and  that  therefore  you  the  more  need 
his  help.  Remind  him  that  you  are  the  very 
character  'he  came  to  seek  and  to  save,'  lost — 
'them  that  are  lost.'  This  one  word  exactly 
describes  your  state,  and  were  this  the  only 
encouragement  in  the  Bible  to  seek  him,  it 
would  be  enough;  but  you  can  find  unnum- 
bered passages  of  the  same  gracious  character. 
Well,  tell  him  this:  tell  him  his  obedience  and 
atoning  death  have  satisfied  divine  Justice,  so 
that  God  can  now  pardon  and  accept  you  for 
his  sake,  though  not  for  your  own.  Tell  him, 
his  resurrection,  ascension,  intercession  at  the 
right  hand  of  God,  and  his  gift  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  prove  this  blessed  fact,  and  have  done 
so  ever  since  he  rose. 

"He  is  far  more  willing  to  save  you,  than 
you  are  to  be  saved,  and  he  beseeches  you,  by 
his  ministers  and  by  his  providences,  to  be 
reconciled  to  God,  How  easily  you  yield 
when  a  fellow-creature  beseeches  you,  and 
sometimes  sadly  to  your  injury.  And  can  you 
refuse  eternal  happiness  through  forgiveness, 
reconciliation  to  God,  and  deliverance  from  sin, 
misery,  and  hell  ?    My  beloved  friends,  per- 


264 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


liaps  we  may  never  meet  again  on  earth,  but 
certainly  we  sliall  meet  at  that  great  day  when 
you  and  I  must  give  account  of  ourselves  to 
Grod.  If  you  refuse  and  neglect  the  offered 
deliverance  'from  the  wrath  to  come,'  your 
reason  must  be  given,  and  then  your  awful 
sentence,  'Depart,  ye  cursed.'  Ask  yourself 
now  why  you  are  not  Christ's,  and  compel 
yourself  to  answer ;  and  then  surely  your  mad- 
ness will  appear  to  yourself,  and  you  will  flee 
to  him  to  emancipate  you  from  the  fetters 
which  hind  your  reason,  your  soul,  to  your 
eternal  ruin.  My  beloved  friends,  holiness  is 
the  joy  of  heaven :  '  follow  after  holiness,'  with- 
out one  exception  among  you,  and  this  shall 
give  greater  joy  to  the  angels  around  the  throne, 
than  even  to  her  whose  anxieties,  hopes,  and 
fears  have  dictated  this  long  letter. 

"Your  ever  affectionate,  attached  friend, 

MARTHA  SHERMAN." 

The  last  written  proof  of  her  joy  at  the  in- 
crease of  means  of  grace  for  the  young,  in  con- 
nection with  Surrey  chapel  is  a  note  to  Mr. 
Hadland,  on  the  formation  of  a  select  class, 
meeting  in  the  class-room  on  Sabbath  after- 


AT  ST.  LEONARDOS  AND  HASTINGS.  265 

noons,  for  the  female  children  of  respectable 
families  in  the  congregation,  which  a  young 
lady  of  eminent  piety  and  suitable^  education 
had  consented  to  superintend,  and  to  which  she 
sent  her  daughter  as  one  of  the  first  pupils. 

"As  writing  is  painful  to  me,  I  am  sure,  my 
dear  sir,  you  will  excuse  me  for  expressing  in 
few  words  my  heartfelt  joy  at  the  proposal  in 
your  note,  and  my  earnest  ■  desire  that  the 
parents  will  not  allow  trifling  impediments  or 
inconvenience,  to  deprive  their  little  ones  of  the 
long-needed  privileges  now  offered  them.  Three 
years  ago  the  subject  was  suggested  by  your- 
self, I  think,  and  I  had  lamented  that  no  prac- 
tical arrangement  followed.  Now,  I  trust,  the 
time  is  come,  and  God  is  about  to  answer  the 
many  prayers  of  his  people  for  an  increase  of 
family  religion  among  us,  by  fulfilling  his 
word,  'Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  suck- 
lings thou  hast  perfected  praise.' 

"Clay  Hill,  September  30,  1847.'" 

As  the  winter  approached,  a  warmer  atmos- 
phere became  necessary  for  her  comfort,  and 
she  removed,  accompanied  by  her  family,  to 
Hastings,  where  the  loving-kindness  of  her 


266 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


heavenly  Father  was  signally  manifested.  She 
now  felt  that  the  ascent  of  a  few  staits  required 
greater  exertion  than  she  could  make,  as  her 
httle  remaining  strength  declined  daily;  but 
that  which  gladdened  the  heart  of  her  hus- 
band, and  made  her  path  to  the  tomb  smooth- 
er, was  the  removal  of  mental  darkness  and 
the  return  of  the  joys  of  God's  salvation.  On 
Christmas-day,  four  days  after  her  arrival,  in 
the  last  note  she  was  permitted  to  write,  she 
states  her  grief  that  her  spirit  was  still  clouded. 

"As  to  your  affectionate  hope  for  the  future, 
we  must  leave  that  to  Him  who  is  able  to  heal, 
if  it  be  his  gracious  will ;  and  though  I  strong- 
ly chng  to  life,  I  cannot  desire  it  for  one  mo- 
ment, if  he  see  my  removal  better.  I  can 
leave  it  in  his  hands,  I  tliink  cheerfully,  not- 
withstanding the  dismal  doubts  that  harass 
me.  My  mind  is  really  a  mass  of  contradic- 
tions, and  I  cannot  understand  myself.  Oh, 
how  blissful  will  it  be  if  all  be  found  right  at 
last ;  but  my  poor  spirit  is  much  oppressed : 
may  I  not  be  left  to  dishonor  my  best  Friend 
in  this  time  of  the  hidings  of  his  blessed  face 
from  me." 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  267 

On  the  Wednesday  in  the  following  week, 
her  husband,  who  came  to  London  on  Satur- 
day for  the  duties  of  his  charge,  returned  to 
Hastings,  and  found  the  mind  of  the  precious 
invalid  still  overwhelmed.  After  she  had  re- 
tired to  rest,  he  went  into  her  chamber  to  com- 
mend her  to  Grod  and  to  comfort  her  troubled 
heart  with  the  promises  of  his  faithful  word. 
Tt  was  a  night  much  to  be  remembered;  the 
spirit  of  prayer  was  poured  out,  and  the  words 
of  Scripture  pleaded  in  faith,  were  applied  by 
the  Spirit  of  God  to  her  soul.  After  he  rose 
from  his  knees,  the  first  words  from  her  lips 
that  saluted  his  ear,  were,  "The  Lord  is  nigh 
Unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart,  and 
saveth  such  as  be  of  a  contrite  spirit.  Return 
unto  thy  rest,  0  my  soul,  for  the  Lord  hath 
dealt  bountifully  with  thee;  for  thou  hast  de-, 
livered  my  soul  from  death,  mine  eyes  from/ 
tears,  and  my  feet  from  falling." 

Relieved  by  a  flood  of  tears,  but  without 
rapture  or  enthusiasm — calm  as  a  summer's 
eve  after  a  shower  of  rain  has  refreshed  the 
earth,  and  the  clouds  are  brilliant  with  the 
glory  of  a  setting  sun — she  began  to  trace  the 


266 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


dealings  of  God  with  her  soul,  from  the  death 
of  her  sister  to  the  present  hour,  in  language 
beautifully  simple  but  very  affecting,  and  con- 
cluded her  review  by  emphatically  repeating, 

"  True,  I 've  been  a  foolish  creature, 
And  have  slighted  oft  His  grace; 
Yet  forgiveness  is  his  nature, 

Even  when  he  hides  his  face  • 
After  so  much  mercy  past, 
"Will  he  let  me  sink  at  last  ?" 

To  the  inquiry  whether  talking  did  not  dis- 
tress her,  she  repUed,  "Not  at  all;  I  am  not 
excited,  but  relieved;  my  mind  has  never  lost 
its  hold  of  the  atonement.  All  along  the  suffi- 
ciency of  my  Saviour's  merits  has  been  my 
stay;  the  covenant  of  grace  has  appeared  like 
the  bow  round  the  throne,  representing  God's 
glory  and  my  security.  But  Satan,  taking 
advantage  of  a  weak  body,  has  pressed  a  de- 
fect in  my  Cliristian  conduct  upon  my  spirit, 
when  my  faith  was  not  lively  enough  to  apply 
the  blood  of  Christ  for  the  pardon  of  that  par- 
ticular sin.  But  when  you  quoted  that  pas- 
sage in  your  prayer,  'We  also  joy  in  God 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Clu-ist,  by  whom  we 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS.  269 


have  now  received  the  atonement,'  light  flash- 
ed on  my  mind  as  if  I  had  obtained  a  new- 
idea,  that  while  I  had  been  recommending 
others  to  receive  the  atonement,  rejoicing  in 
its  power  to  save  them,  and  also  welcoming  it 
in  my  judgment  as  amply  sufficient  to  remove 
all  my  guilt,  I  had  not  received  it  for  the  sin 
which  oppressed  me ;  and  immediately,  blessed 
be  my  Saviour,  I  did  receive  it,  saw  the  sin  as 
black  as  ever,  but  the  guilt  gone,  and  I  can 
now  rejoice  in  God  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord." 

Then  in  a  celestial  strain  she  pictured  forth 
the  glories  of  an  unseen  world,  and  especially 
its  perfect  holiness,  and  seemed  borne  on  wings 
of  faith  and  love  into  it.  Carried  away  by  the 
surprise  and  joy  of  the  consecrated  hour,  the 
writer,  overwhelmed  as  he  was,  found  it  im- 
possible to  retain  in  form  the  expressions  which 
fell  from  her  sanctified  lips;  but  their  savor 
will  never  be  lost.  When  he  rose  to  take  leave, 
in  order  that  she  might  have  bodily  rest,  as  she 
grasped  his  hand  and  bade  him  "good-night," 
she  lifted  her  joyous  eyes  to  heaven,  and 
said, 


270 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


"  Never  let  me  go  till  I,  " 

Upborae  on  wings  of  love, 
Jom  the  regions  of  the  sky, 

And  take  my  seat  above. 
Thou  hast  passed  thy  gracious  word 

That  thou  wilt  bring  me  safely  through ; 
Thou  wilt  therefore  keep  me,  Lord, 

And  never  let  me  go." 

The  conversation  of  Moses  and  Elias  on  the 
mount,  concerning  the  things  which  Christ 
should  accomplish  at  Jerusalem,  it  may  he 
presumed,  was  expressed  in  language  and 
tones  suited  to  the  dignity  of  the  glorious 
theme,  and  that  this  greatly  helped  to  produce 
those  emotions  in  the  hearts  of  the  -disciples 
which  led  them  to  exclaim,  "Lord,  it  is  good 
to  he  here."  And  in  this  interview  it  was 
remarkahly  the  case — with  a  countenance  not 
naturally  deficient  in  heauty,  hut  now  lighted 
up  with  intelligent  persuasion  of  her  heavenly 
Father's  love,  her  eyes  hrilliant  hy  disease, 
now  sparkling  with  conscious  joy — her  tongue, 
from  which  the  law  of  kindness  had  never  de- 
parted, now  delivering,  in  tones  of  devotion 
and  tenderness,  and  in  language  suhlimely 
beautiful,  descriptions  of  the  merit  of  Christ's 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AKD  HASTINGS. 


271 


death  and  the  glory  into  which  it  would  intro- 
duce her,  made  an  impression  on  the  mind  of 
the  writer,  of  the  place,  the  subject,  and  the 
blessedness  of  the  righteous,  which  time  can 
never  efface:  "Lord,  it  is  good  to  be  here," 
naturally  rose  from  his  heart  and  found  utter- 
ance in  private,  where  a  thank-offering  was 
presented  for  the  recent  deliverance  of  the  suf- 
fering disciple.  It  is  remarkable  that  after  an 
exertion  so  great  to  one  in  extreme  weakness, 
she  had  a  better  night's  rest,  and  had  more 
vigor  for  a  few  days  than  she  had  experienced 
for  some  time. 

She  was  favored  with^repeated  visits  from 
the  Rev.  J.  Davies,  the  Eiev.  J.  Vores,  and  the 
Rev.  C.  D.  Bell;  the  latter  living  near,  was 
kind  enough  often  to  spend  a  short  time  with 
her  in  religious  exercises  as  she  could  bear 
them,  and  to  lend  his  sermons  at  her  request, 
parts  of  which  were  often  read  to  her.  He 
showed  both  the  interest  and  affection  of  a 
Christian  brother  in  her  affliction:  the  Lord 
will  reward  him.  She  suggested  to  this  excel- 
lent clergyman  the  formation  of  a  Bible  class 
for  young  men;  and  the  gratification  with 


272 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


which  she  heard  of  the  immediate  adoption  of 
hsr  hint  was  increased  before  she  left  Hastings, 
by  intelligence  that  the  class  was  increasing  in 
numbers  and  interest. 

On  the  17th  of  January,  1848,  she  removed 
from  White '  Rock  to  an  exceedingly  warm 
house  in  Wellington-square,  which  yielded 
more  comforts  to  an  invalid,  and  where  the 
violence  of  the  sea  was  scarcely  heard  or  felt. 
Though  a  little  revived  by  the  change,  it  was 
clear  to  all  that  the  disease  was  now  making 
greater  progress,  and  of  this  she  became  more 
conscious,  yet  struggling  against  infirmity  to 
maintain  her  habits  of  early  rising  and  inde- 
pendent action.  At  this  crisis,  the  advice  of 
Dr.  Moore  was  sought,  a  physician  who  com- 
bines with  great  practical  skill  a  deep  acquaint- 
ance with  doctrinal  and  experimental  religion, 
and  who  has  a  facility  and  tenderness  of  com- 
municating it  which  renders  him  invaluable  to 
a  pious  invalid,  nor  less  so  to  one  who  needs 
piety.  To  Mrs.  Sherman  his  visits  were  bless- 
ings indeed,  and  his  first  prescription  did  more 
to  mitigate  suffering  and  afford  rest  than  any 
medicine  she  had  previously  taken. 


AT  ST.  LEONAUD'-S  AND  HASTINGS.  273 

Few  thing.s  were  parted  with  more  reluc- 
tantly than  her  little  collecting  books,  contain- 
ing lists  of  subscriber.?  to  the  various  societies. 
These  she  kept  in  her  own  hands  till  the  very- 
last;  and,  even  when  unable  to  write  herself, 
notes  were  written  by  her  amanuensis  as  her 
temporary  substitute,  either  soliciting  fre.sh  do- 
nations or  the  continuance  of  former  subscrip- 
tions— so  fondly  did  she  cling  to  these  labors, 
and  so  long  did  she  apparently  cherish  the 
hope  of  renewing  her  active  interest  in  them. 

A  few  days  however  before  the  final  opinion 
of  Dr.  Moore  was  given  of  immediate  danger, 
as  if  anticipating  what  that  opinion  would  be, 
she  desired  that  they  might  be  brought  to  her; 
and  arranging  them  before  her,  requested  that 
letters  might  be  written  to  several  friends 
whom  she  named,  bequeathing  them  as  lega- 
cies to  their  care.  A  stranger  entering  the 
room  at  that  moment  would  scarcely  have  no- 
ticed the  slight  and  transient  shade  of  sadness 
that  passed  over  her  brow  as  she  gave  this 
affecting  commission.  It  was  so  slight  as  only 
to  be  discernible  by  those  who  knew  full  well 
the  inward  struggle  that  had  preceded  that 

Sherman.  \  3 


274 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


resolution,  and  so  transient  as  to  disappear  al- 
most as  soon  as  observed.  Her  collections  for 
the  Jews,  the  city  mission,  the  school  for  mis- 
sionaries' children  at  Walthamstow,  the  Dorcas 
and  missionary  societies,  were  among  those  in- 
tended to  be  thus  distributed ;  and  though  the 
sudden  return  of  the  family  to  London  pre- 
vented some  of  the  letters  from  being  written, 
it  is  believed  that  all  to  whom  these  several 
collections  were  transferred  consider  them  in 
the  sacred  light  of  a  dying  bequest.  The  case 
of  an  orphan  for  whose  election  into  the  work- 
ing-school she  was  solicitous,  and  of  an  indi- 
vidual whose  soul  she  had  been  instrumental 
in  winning  for  her  Saviour,  were  also  thus 
solemnly  and  earnestly  commended  to  Chris- 
tian friends. 

The  school  of  industry,  which  Mr.  HiU  es- 
tablished for  clothing  and  educating  thirty 
girls,  had  from  the  commencement  of  her  resi- 
dence in  London  occupied  much  of  her  atten- 
tive regard,  and  it  was  her  anxious  desire  to  re- 
sign her  treasurership  into  hands  which  would 
sustain  and  advance  its  interests.  Soon  after 
her  return  to  London  she  sent  for  a  dear  friend. 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINaS.  275 


and  committed  to  her  this  special  charge;  it 
was  accepted,  and  subsequent  events  have  jus- 
tified her  hopes  for  the  continued  prosperity  of 
the  school. 

After  Dr.  Moore  had  paid  her  several  visits, 
her  husband,  that  he  might  judge  better  of  her 
state,  became  anxious  to  learn  his  candid  opin- 
ion, and  inquired  if  he  thought  she  had  passed 
what  was  termed  the  second  stage  of  the  dis- 
ease. His  reply,  in  substance,  instantly  was, 
"Yes,  she  is  now  in  the  last  stage,  and  may  be 
removed  suddenly  and  soon,  though  it  is  not 
improbable  she  may  linger  till  April  or  May. 
Home  I  consider  the  best  place  for  her,  to 
which  she  ought  to  return  as  quickly  as  possi- 
ble." This  opinion  was  expressed  in  great 
sympathy,  but  being  very  unexpected,  it  yield- 
ed to  her  relatives  abundant  sorrow. 

On  her  husband  now  devolved  the  affecting 
duty  of  announcing  to  her  that  the  sickness 
was  unto  death.  With  many  struggles  be- 
tween affection  and  fidelity  to  a  promise  pre- 
viously made  to  her,  he  accomplished  his  pain- 
ful  task.  The  serenity  with  which  she  listened 
to  the  communication,  and  the  joy  with  which 


276 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


she  expressed  that  "it  was  quite  a  rehef  to  her 
spirit,"  not  only  surprised  him,  hut  comforted 
his  bleeding  heart.  She  said,  "Well,  He  who 
loved  me  and  saved  my  soul  can  save  and  bless 
my  husband  and  children;  to  his  faithful  hands 
1  commend  them."  The  tears  gu§hed  from  her 
eyes;  but  recovering  herself  in  a  minute  or 
two,  she  said,  "Do  not  misunderstand  my 
weeping;  that  is  nature  feeling  the  wrench 
from  the  objects  of  its  affection;  but  my  no- 
bler part  says,  'I  desire  to  depart  and  to  be 
with  Christ,  which  is  far  better.'" 

Her  friend  Miss  Neele  thus  records  the  cir- 
cumstances which  immediately  followed  this 
announcement:  "When  I  first  saw  her  after 
Dr.  Moore's  opinion  of  more  immediate  danger 
had  been  communicated  to  her,  she  was  lying 
on  the  sofa  in  the  drawing-room.  As  I  slowly 
opened  the  door,  she  held  out  her  arms  to  me, 
with  a  smile,  as  if  to  remove  my  hesitation; 
and  though  for  a  few  moments  the  tear  flowed 
silently  down  her  cheek,  she  said  almost  imme- 
diately, '  When  Mr.  Sherman  told  me  all,  I  felt 
conscious  that  neither  heart  nor  pulse  moved 
more  quickly,  in  the  least.'    I  said,  'Perhaps 


AT  ST.  LEONARD'S  AND  HASTINGS. 


277 


it  was  not  such  a  surprise  to  you;  I  dare  say 
you  were  better  prepared  to  receive  the  intelli- 
gence than  we  were.'  She  answered,  '  No,  T 
was  not  at  all  prepared;  I  had  given  up  all 
expectation  of  ever  being  well  again,  but  I 
had  no  idea  that  I  should  leave  you  so  soon.' 
Thus,  'perfect  peace'  within  produced  perfect 
calmness  without;  and  as  'love  begets  love,' 
so  calmness  produced  calmness;  and  when 
she  subsequently  dictated,  with  unruffled  and 
even  cheerful  composure,  various  arrangements 
which  she  wished  made  after  her  decease,  it 
was  scarcely  possible  for  those  around  her  to 
feel  agitated,  though  often  themselves  wonder- 
ing how  they  could  be  so  calm  while  watching 
the  gradual  decay  of  one  so  beloved." 

On  February  13th,  she  left  Hastings  for  the 
parsonage,  and  arrived  there  far  less  fatigued 
than  could  have  been  anticipated  from  her 
great  weakness;  never  more  to  leave  it  till 
carried  to  "the  house  appointed  for  all  living." 


278 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 

Immediately  after  Mrs.  Sherman's  return  to 
her  heloved  home,  she  began  to  set  her  house 
in  order,  as  one  expecting  soon  to  leave  it. 
AVith  regard  to  herself,  every  thing  had  long 
been  ready,  and  she  but  waited  the  Master's 
summons  to  enter  into  his  serviee  in  the  upper 
sanctuary ;  but  there  were  arrangements  with 
respect  to  others  which  she  was  desirous  of 
having  carried  into  execution  before  her  de- 
cease. Her  heart  was  much  set  on  seeing 
once  more  those  friends  with  whom  she  had 
prayed  and  labored,  and  on  bidding  them  fare- 
well ;  yet  her  weakness  was  such,  that  her  med- 
ical attendants  feared  the  excitement  which 
such  numbers  would  occasion,  especially  as 
both  the  visitors  and  the  invalid  were  likely 
to  be  much  affected  with  the  interview.  She 
overruled  the  objection,  by  assuring  them  that 
the  excitement  would  be  trifling  compared  with 
the  refreshment  it  would  afford  her  spirit;  and 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


a79 


that  as  her  recovery  was  now  past  all  reason- 
able hope,  she  could  not  resist  the  gratification 
it  would  be  to  herself  and  to  her  associates  and 
classes.  Anticipating  also  that  the  Saviour 
might  call  her  suddenly  to  himself,  that  as  her 
disease  increased  in  power  her  weakness  would 
be  proportionably  greater,  and  that  if  the  pres-  » 
ent  opportunity  were  not  seized,  she  might  be 
unable  to  see  them  at  all,  she  determined  on 
meeting  them  as  speedily  as  possible.  Accord- 
ingly, on  Lord's-day,  February  14,  when  the 
Sunday  afternoon  class  met,  all  its  members 
M'ere  invited  to  come  into  the  study,  where, 
reposing  on  a  couch,  she  was  waiting  to  re- 
ceive them.  Between  forty  and  fifty  young 
persons  were  introduced  to  her  singly.  Each 
was  welcomed  with  an  inexpressibly  sweet 
smile,  and  had  a  kind  word  addressed  to  her; 
and  those  among  them  who  traced  their  con- 
version to  her  faithful  labors,  had  a  special 
sentence  of  warning  and  encouragement.  Ex- 
pecting to  see  her  emaciated  and  sinking  al- 
most unconscious  into  the  arms  of  death,  they 
were  surprised  to  behold  a  countenance  radiant 
with  heavenly  joy  and  to  hear  words  of  life 


280 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


and  salvation  from  lips  anointed  •w^th  grace. 
Each  kissed  her  hand  and  received  from  her  a 
hook  as  a  dying  gift.  Her  husband  commend- 
ed them  to  God  in  her  presence,  by  a  brief 
prayer. 

On  the  next  day,  ]\Ionday,  the  mothers  ot 
the  humbler  class  met  in  the  school-room  for 
their  usual  exercise,  and  were  invited  to  come 
and  take  a  last  glance  of  the  loving  face  wliich 
had  so  oft  welcomed  them  with  smiles,  cheered 
them  in  trouble,  and  instructed  them  in  duty. 
As  no  previous  notice  had  been  given,  they 
were  taken  by  surprise ;  but  their  behavior  on 
this  occasion  justified  the  dying  saint's  repeat- 
ed observation,  that  only  let  the  pious  poor  feel 
you  take  an  interest  in  their  welfare,  without 
abridging  their  independence,  and  they  will 
honor  and  love  you.  It  was  delightful  to  wit- 
ness their  tenderness,  respect,  and  gratitude — 
the  subdued  tones  in  which  they  spoke  to  their 
benefactress,  and  the  delicacy  which  they  ex- 
hibited during  the  sad  interview.  Shaking  the 
hand  of  each,  and  receiving  the  kiss  of  charity 
upon  her  own,  she  bade  them  farewell  with  a 
look  of  affectionate  regard  that  will  not  be 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL.  281 

easily  forgotten.  "Where  special  circumstances 
required,  she  addressed  a  few  words  suitable 
to  the  state  of  the  mothers  before  her,  which 
melted  many  hearts.  Her  husband  delivered 
to  them  the  dying  charge  of  their  friend  and 
leader,  to  adhere  to  Christ  and  his  service,  to 
maintain  their  maternal  association,  and  to 
meet  her  in  glory ;  and  then  in  a  short  prayer 
commended  them  also  to  God. 

On  Wednesday,  the  ladies  who  had  been  ac- 
customed to  meet  at  her  house  once  a  month 
to  talk  over  their  common  hope,  and  the  best 
means  of  training  their  children  for  heaven,  as- 
sembled by  appointment  for  a  similar  purpose. 
When  told  that  they  were  waiting  to  be  intro- 
duced to  her,  and  asked  if  she  had  any  mes- 
sage, as  she  could  with  difficulty  speak  to 
them  herself,  she  said,  "I  am  afraid  to  say  all 
I  feel  on  the  subject  of  these  maternal  associa- 
tions, lest  I  should  seem  to  undervalue  any 
other  society  connected  with  the  chapel;  but  I 
do  think  them  of  the  first  importance,  and 
though  I  trust  all  will  continue  to  flourish,  I 
would  rather  gjiy  should  decline  than  these." 
She  then  added  with  energy,  "  Oh,  tell  the  la- 


232 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


dies,  never,  never,  never  to  forsake  the  mater- 
nal associations." 

On  Thursday,  between  thirty  and  forty  of 
the  young  ladies  belonging  to  the  select  class 
came  also  to  bid  adieu  to  their  loving  teacher. 
One  of  them  wrote  to  her  after  the  interview, 
"The  legacy  you  have  bequeathed  to  me,  your 
'  collection  for  the  Jews,'  I  receive  with  a  heavy 
heart,  not  unwillingly  or  murmuringly,  I  hope, 
but  with  a  consciousness  of  unworthiness  and 
unfitness  for  the  task.  I  consider  you  have 
conferred  a  great  privilege  on  me,  and  I  shall 
prize  very  highly  these  parting  proofs  of  your 
affectionate  regard.  The  meeting  on  Thurs- 
day can  never  be  forgotten :  may  it  have  a  last- 
ing and  beneficial  effect  on  all.  We  then  saw 
that  true  religion  was  not  merely  a  profession, 
but  a  reality.  My  prayer  has  ever  been,  '  Lord, 
spare  her,'  yet  the  wish  seems  selfish  to  detain 
you  from  going  home  to  your  heavenly  Father. 

"The  cheering  thought  that  Jesus  is  the 
resurrection  and  the  life,  strengthens  my  faith, 
and  enables  me  to  look  beyond  the  silent  tomb 
to  the  blissful  state  of  those  who  are  for  ever 
wjth  the  Lord,  knowing  that  if  I  am  among 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL.  283 

his  believing  children,  hut  a  few  years  at  most 
will  separate  us,  and  then  we  shall  meet  again 
where  partings  are  unknown.  May  you  have 
your  heart's  desire  in  meeting  all  your  beloved 
class  there.  Many  will  then  appear  among  the 
children  whom  G-od  has  given  you ;  and  though 
since  you  have  been  laid  aside  from  active  use- 
fulness, the  thought  may  sometimes  have  arisen 
that  you  have  been  useless,  God  has  in  many 
instances,  though  perhaps  unknown  to  you, 
blessed  your  instructions  to  others.  Many  a 
kind  hint  thrown  out  by  you  has  been  received, 
and  the  advice  attended  to.  No  one  could  ever 
mistake  your  earnestness  and  affection,  your 
constant  desire  to  win  our  souls  to  Christ. 
'  We  remenaber  your  sayings,'  and  in  looking 
back  on  the  past,  desire  to  feel  grateful  that 
we  have  been  privileged  with  your  example 
and  kind  instructions  so  long. 

"Accept,  my  dearest  friend,  my  best  and 
sincere  thanks  for  all  your  kindness  td  me;  I 
have  indeed  been  a  favored  child.  I  have  al- 
ways considered  myself  as  one  of  your  chil- 
dren, for  it  was  in  your  class,  ten  years  ago, 
that  I  first  felt  a  desire  to  be  the  T^ord's.  I 


284 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


owe  much  to  you  in  other  respects:  in  any 
difficulty  you  were  the  first  to  encourage  me; 
in  undertaking  any  new  and  untried  duties, 
the  knowledge  that  I  had  my  friend's  prayers 
stimulated  me  to  exertion  when  I  began  to  feel 
weary  and  despair  of  success,  and  especially 
in  winning  the  timid  disciple,  by  setting  forth 
religion  in  its  sweetest  aspects,  and  by  the  love- 
ly exhibition  in  yourself  of  the  Christian  char- 
acter. Farewell,  dearest  friend;  may  you  still 
continue  to  enjoy  much  of  your  Saviour's 
presence  and  perfect  peace  in  the  prospect  of 
death." 

The  refreshment  of  a  spiritual  exposition  of 
scripture  and  a  brief  prayer  to  an  invalid,  is 
well  known  by  those  who  have  been  in  a  state 
of  suffering.  It  was  the  privilege  of  her  hus- 
band to  be  her  daily  minister,  and  morning 
and  evening  to  seize  the  most  favorable  oppor- 
tunities to  conduct  her  tender  spirit  into  the 
green  p'astures  of  the  good  Shepherd;  but  it 
was  suggested  to  her  that  a  visit  from  some 
man  of  God  might  cheer  and  help  her.  She 
immediately  said,  "I  have  no  special  wish  for 
any  one:  if  Mr.  Greorge  Clayton  could  spare  a 


DEATH  AST)  FUNERAL. 


285 


few  minutes,  I  should  like  to  hear  his  voice  in 
prayer;  his  gentle  manner  would  suit  my 
weakness,  and  he  is  sure  to  say  something  to 
ine  ahout  Christ,  my  gracious  Master,  and  his 
salvation." 

An  intimation  of  her  wish  was  enough;  the 
Rev.  Gr.  Clayton  was  with  her  the  next  day, 
and  continued  his  kind  attentions  till  prayer 
was  exchanged  for  praise.  The  comfort  she 
derived  from  these  visits  was  indeed  great,  and 
she  felt  deeply  her  obligations  to  her  sympa- 
thizing friend.  The  elders  of  the  church,  with 
whom  she  had  for  twelve  years  walked  in  har- 
monious cooperation,  and  who  Jiad  ever  shown 
a  readiness  to  aid  her  in  all  her  works  of  love 
to  souls,  were  entreated  by  her,  each  in  his 
turn,  to  come  and  commend  her  spirit  to  God. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Harris  and  the  Rev.  Newman 
Hall  also  favored  her  with  their  counsels  and 
prayers.  The  constant  attentions  and  invalu- 
able spiritual  aid  of  her  old  friend  Miss  Neele, 
were  unspeakably  delightful  to  the  invalid. 
She  often  remarked  how  gracious  her  Saviour 
had  been  to  provide  her  such  a  companion  in 
the  season  of  sickness.    To  her  memoranda 


286 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


the  following  pages  are  indebted  for  many  cir- 
cumstances and  observations,  which  must  oth- 
erwise have  been  wholly  lost. 

The  Bible  was  the  only  book  which  she  cared 
to  hear  read,  except  occasionally  a  hymn  from 
the  invalid's  hymn-book,  or  her  husband's  se- 
lection, with  which  she  was  most  familiar.  At 
first  she  was  guided  as  usual  in  her  reading  by 
the  "Scripture  Calendar,"  which  she  preferred 
to  any  other,  because  it  arranged  for  the  peru- 
sal of  the  New  Testament  and  Psalms  twice, 
and  the  Old  Testament  once,  in  the  course  of 
the  year;  but  now  she  said,  "I  think  I  may 
be  allowed  to  pick  and  choose  a  chapter  suited 
to  my  state,"  alluding  to  a  remark  which  she 
had  often  made,  that  the  whole  Bible  should 
be  regularly  read.  The  first  chapter  of  the 
epistle  to  the  Colossians  might  be  called  her 
favorite ;  she  asked  for  it  to  be  read  more  fre- 
quently than  any  other;  the  first  and  second 
chapters  of  Ephesians,  and  the  eighth  of  Ro- 
mans, with  the  thanksgiving  Psalms,  were  also 
often  selected. 

After  being  in  bed  a  short  time,  one  evening, 
she  said,  "Oh,  I  am  so  comfortable,  in  perfect 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


287 


peace ;  I  do  realize  that  promise,  '  Thou  wilt 
keep  him  in  perfect  peace  whose  mind  is  stayed 
on  thee.'  Now  for  a  chapter,  that  sublime  one 
which  speaks  of  the  hope  laid  up  in  lieaven." 
When  it  had  been  read,  she  exclaimed,  "Oh,  I 
want  a  distiller  to  distil  all  its  sweetness;  my 
poor  mind  cannot  dwell  long  enough  upon  it 
to  extract  the  joys  it  affords."  Those  words 
being  quoted,  "  Ye  have  need  of  patience," 
she  said,  "That  does  not  seem  applicable  to 
me ;  I  mean,  I  have  so  many  mercies  that  my 
patience  does  not  seem  tried."  On  the  next 
day,  hearing  the  merriment  of  her  children  in 
another  room,  her  eyes  filled  with  tears,  and 
she  exclaimed,  "Oh,  that  sweet  prattle;  those 
enchanting  voices  to  a  mother's  ear."  Think- 
ing they  were  too  noisy,  her  friend  was  leaving 
the  room  to  induce  them  to  be  quiet,  but  she 
said,  "Oh,  don't  check  them;  I  love  to  hear 
their  joyous  notes  when  I  can  bear  them;  but 
I  cannot  help  feeling  a  little  anxious,  because 
I  fear  there  is  some  danger  of  the  little  one 
being  spoiled,  she  will  be  such  a  pet."  Of 
another  she  said,  "Oh,  for  some  hopeful  sign 
before  I  die." 


288 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


February  21st  was  a  day  of  comparative 
ease,  which  allowed  her  to  have  a  little  more 
conversation  with  her  husband  and  friend  than 
her  cough  usually  permitted.  Her  spirit  seem- 
ed on  the  borders  of  the  heavenly  Canaan,  look- 
ing in  and  returning  every  now  and  then  to  tell 
those  around  her  of  its  blessedness.  "I  want 
to  mention  one  subject,"  she  said  to  her  "friend, 
"though  I  hardly  like  to  do  so,  as  perhaps  such 
a  thing  may  never  be  contemplated;  but  as 
there  was  an  obituary  of  dear  mamma  in  the 
Evangelical  Magazine,  perhaps,  as  a  minister's 
wife,  there  might  be  one  of  me,  and  it  is  so 
repugnant  to  my  feelings."  "Had  you  not 
better,"  said  her  friend,  "leave  that  to  the 
judgment  of  others ;  it  will  not  hurt  your  feel- 
ings then." 

"Well,"  she  replied,  "there  are  no  papers, 
not  one.  I  kept  a  diary  once,  but  I  destroyed 
it,  as  the  possibility  of  its  ever  being  made 
public  so  completely  spoiled  the  profit  and 
comfort  I  derived  from  it,  that  I  would  not 
keep  it;  I  felt  it  was  no  longer  only  between 
God  and  my  own  soul.  It  was  chiefly  a  rec- 
ord of  my  sentiments  before  I  was  decided, 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL 


289 


and  was  very  useful  to  me  then.  If  there 
should  he  one,  0  pray  for  a  spirit  of  wisdom 
and  judgment  on  the  writer;  else  it  will  be 
such  a  partial  account,  dictated  by  a  heart 
overflowing  with  love."  On  repeating  that 
verse  to  her,  "For  thou,  Lord,  wilt  bless  the 
righteous,  with  favor  wilt  thou  compass  him 
as  with  a  shield,"  she  remarked,  "What  a 
comfort  to  have  no  opposition  from  man,  to 
have  no  human  enemy ;  and  even  Satan  seems 
hardly  able  to  get  at  me,  I  have  so  many  pray- 
ing friends,  but  specially  my  Saviour  interced- 
ing for  me." 

Her  husband  read  to  her  the  following  quaint 
though  beautiful  hymn  of  good  Mr.  Berridge: 

"The  Lord  of  the  earth,  to  Adam  allied, 
Sends  messengers  forth  to  fetch  him  a  bride ; 
To  many  he  chooseth  his  love  to  impart, 
And  none  he  refuseth  who  give  him  their  heart. 

Strange  marriage  indeed  for  heaven's  fair  King, 
Yet  Jesus  will  wed  with  any  poor  thing; 
He  liketh  the  maimed,  the  halt,  and  the  blind, 
The  poor  and  defamed,  the  lowest  in  kind. 

So,  after  the  banns  are' published  below, 
Comes  joining  of  hands,  with  joined  hearts  too; 
Then  debts  are  discharged,  though  heavy  they  be, 
And  she  is  enlarged,  from  bondage  set  free. 

et,.rn..r,  1  9 


290 


JMARTHA  SHERMAN. 


A  rich  wedding  suit  is  to. the  bride  brought, 
Of  love  the  sweet  fruit,  and  by  the  King  wrought ; 
With  this  he  does  cover  her  nakedness  quite, 
And  deck  her  all  over  as  fair  as  the  light. 

A  ring  for  the  bride  is  from  the  King  sent. 
With  jewels  beside,  to  deck  her  heart  meant; 
With  these  she  grows  loving  and  modest  and  mild, 
In  good  works  improving,  and  seemeth  a  child. 

Now,  Christ  is  her  song,  her  joy,  and  her  hope; 
She  for  him  will  sigh  and  long  to  look  up: 
And  he  from  his  tower  peeps  on  her  e'erwhile, 
And  tells  his  love  to  her  and  drops  her  a  smile. 

At  length  the  approach  of  wedding  is  come, 
And  lo,  a  state-coach  to  fetch  the  bride  home; 
Kind  angels  are  bringing  her  fast  as  she  list, 
And  up  she  goes  singing  Hosanna  to  Christ." 

"Oh,  that  is  exquisite;  read  that  last  verso 
again."  "But  you  did  not  expect  to  go  up 
singing,  did  you?"  "Yes,  I  did,  though  I 
was  under  a  cloud ;  heaviness  may  endure  for 
a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning:  I 
know  I  shall  go  up  singing;  read  it  again." 

On  another  evening,  after  much  pain  and 
exhaustion,  "Oh,  it  is  hard  to  get  into  bed 
without  prayer;  but  He  knows  I  would  pray 
if  I  could ;  my  knees,  in  health,  have  bent  with 
cheerfulness  before  him;  my  most  hallowed 


-    DEATH  AND  FUNERAL.  291 

joys  have  been  in  the  devotions  of  my  closet, 
and  the  savor  of  that  communion  is  not  lost 
yet ;  but  I  can  now  only  mentally  cry,  in  brief 
sentences,  for  his  help  and  favor."  Again,  af- 
ter a  little  pause,  "I  fear  I  do  not  feel  that 
love  to  immortal  souls  which  I  ought;  surely 
the  nearer  I  get  to  heaven,  the  more  I  ought 
to  feel  for  souls.  If  one  scheme  fails,  love 
devises  anothoj',  till  it  accomplishes  its  ob- 
ject; but  I  seem  to  do  nothing  for  Christ 
and  souls  now.  I  am  obliged  to  resolve  all 
my  difficulties  into  this  appeal,  'Lord,  thou 
knowest  all  things;  thou  knowest  that  I  love 
thee.' " 

On  the  evening  of  February  24th,  she  fell 
asleep  on  the  sofa,  biit  was  continually  awaked 
by  the  cough.  Upon  being  suddenly  aroused 
by  a  distressing  fit,  she  said,  "Is  it  not  strange 
that  no  sooner  do  I  drop  asleep  than  the  cough 
awakes  me;"  but  added  cheerfully,  "It  is  only 
a  trial  of  patience;  I  sometimes  think  my  pa- 
tience is  not  exercised,  but  the  poor  body  does 
need  it  sometimes."  To  a  request  that  she 
would  not  destroy  the  notes  of  her  class  sub- 
jects, as  she  wished,  and  as  she  had  almost 


£92 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


all  her  other  papers,  she  repUed,  "  Oh,  they  are 
so  defective,  they  contain  little  explanation  of 
the  great  doctrines  of  the  gospel ;  a  reference 
and  a  hint  were  qviite  enough  for  me  as  a 
guide  while  speaking;  my  heart  was  so  full 
of  them  I  knew  I  should  not  forget  them ;  but 
I  should  not  like  my  children,  when  they 
grow  up,  to  think  they  were  omitted  by  me. 
It  is  not  the  gospel,  if  they  are  left  out;  it 
may  be  truth,  but  not  'the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus,'  not  glad  tidings  of  great  joy  to  all 
people.  Usefulness  to  souls,  which  consists 
in  biassing  the  mind  of  the  hearer  to  heaven- 
ly things,  so  that  they  become  natural  to  him, 
will  never  be  effected  but  by  the  motives,  doc- 
trines, and  influences  of  the  gospel.  This  I 
conceive  is  what  Christ  means,  when  he  says, 
'Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth;  thy  word 
is  truth.'" 

February  25th  was  a  day  of  extreme  suffer- 
ing; but  during  an  interval  of  ease,  her  hus- 
band uttered  a  few  words  on  Christ  as  the 
way  to  the  Father,  and  how  safely  and  cheer- 
fully afflicted  spirits  might  take  advantage  of 
that  appointed  access.     "Yes,"  she  replied, 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


293 


"old  Berridge  just  describes  my  feelings  on 
that  very  subject : 

"  '  Of  Christ  I  chirp  and  sing, 

And  when  he  casts  an  eye, 
I  flutter  up  with  brisker  wing 
And  warble -in  the  sky. 

Such  is  my  pleasant  task, 
To  sing  of  this  sweet  road ; 

And  if  the  cause  a  stranger  ask, 
It  is  my  way  to  God.'  " 

When  laid  down  for  rest  at  night,  being  asked 
what  chapter  she  would  like  read,  she  whis- 
pered with  all  her  remaining  strength,  "One 
of  the  beautiful  psalms  of  praise." 

March  2. — Her  exhaustion  was  so  great 
that  she  thought  death  was  approaching.  The 
next  day,  when  a  little  recovered,  she  said,  "I 
thought  it  surely  must  be  death  ;  it  was  a  sol- 
emn moment,  a  solemn  moment  indeed,  but  I 
was  not  agitated ;  I  felt  even  then  that  I  had 
nothing  to  do  but  to  commit  myself  to  Christ, 
and  it  seemed  quite  easy  and  natural  to  do 
so."  When  a  little  refreshed  by  sleep,  she 
l?egan  speaking  of  the  illness  from  which  her 
husband  was  at  that  time  suffering.  "It  is 
such  an  unexpected  trial;  however,  I  must  roll 


294 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


that  on  the  Lord."  Being  reminded  of  the 
command,  "In  every  thing  by  prayer  and 
supplication,  with  thanksgiving,  let  your  re- 
quests be  made  known  unto  Grod,"  she  replied, 
"  Thanksgiving  seems  even  more  congenial  to 
me,  or  perhaps  I  should  say  more  spontaneous, 
than  prayer ;  I  feel  it  specially  on  first  waking. 
Just  now,  when  I  awoke,  my  heart  seemed  to 
go  forth  in  praise,  and  I  felt  such  confidence 
in  God,  when  I  thought  of  my  dear  husband's 
illness." 

The  next  evening  her  husband  repeated  a 
hymn  which  he  had  seen  in  the  collection  of 
the  Rev.  J.  Gauntlett.  On  hearing  it,  she  re- 
marked, "That  is  sweetness  itself — the  most 
comprehensive  hymn  I  ever  heard  for  a  dying 
Christian.  You  must  repeat  it  to  me  till  I 
can  go  through  it  without  a  mistake ;"  after  a 
third  repetition  she  mastered  the  four  verses, 
and  almost  every  day,  till  her  death,  quoted 
the  whole  or  some  verse.  The  hymn  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

"  What  is  it  for  a  saint  to  die, 

That  we  the  thought  should  fear? 
'T  is  but  to  pass  the  heavenly  sky, 
And  leave  pollution  here. 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL.  §95 

True,  Jordan's  stream  is  wondrous  deep, 

And  Canaaa's  walls  are  high  ; 
But  He  that  guards  us  while  we  sleep, 

Will*  guide  us  when  we  die. 

A  parting  world,  a  gaping  tomb, 

Corruption  and  disease, 
Are  thorny  paths  to  heaven,  our  home, 

And  doors  to  endless  bliss  ! 

Eternal  glory  just  before. 

And  Jesus  waiting  there; 
A  heavenly  gale  to  waft  us  o'er — 

What  have  the  saints  to  fear?" 

It  was  found  necessary,  for  the  last  three  or 
four  months,  to  administer  an  opiate  almost 
daily,  to  procure  rest  at  night,  and  she  some- 
times expressed  a  fear  lest  it  should  occasion 
her;  mind  to  wander:  "Should  I  become  irri- 
table, or  be  permitted  to  say  any  thing  incon- 
sistent with  the  Christian  profession,  I  hope  all 
who  know  me  will  remember  it  is  an  infirmity, 
the  effect  of  disease  or  medicine.  Entreat  my 
friends  to  pray,  that  if  it  be  the  will  of  G-od, 
my  intellect  may  be  preserved  unclouded  to 
the  last."  Her  desire  was  fully  granted;  for 
just  at  this  time  God  was  pleased  to  direct  her 
friends  to  Dr.  Maclean,  of  Montague-square, 

*  The  word  in  the  original  hymn  is  "can,"  hut  she  always  used 
"will,"  and  corrected  others  when  they  repeated  "can." 


296 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


who,  in  conjunction  with  her  ordinary  medical 
attendant,  Mr.  Newth,  so  judiciously  adminis- 
tered the  necessary  opiates,  and  so  carefully 
watched  their  operation,  that,  while  unexpect- 
ed relief  was  often  ohtaincd,  the  dreaded  evil 
was  never  experienced.  She  frequently  said 
how  deeply  she  was  indebted  to  her  physician 
for  his  skill  and  kindness,  and  how  earnestly 
she  would  have  recommended  him  to  others 
in  similar  circumstances,  had  her  life  been 
spared. 

As  she  had  for  several  months  been  denied 
the  privilege  of  partaking  of  the  Lord's  sup- 
per, she  wished  to  have  it  administered  to  her 
privately,  in  connnunion  with  her  own  family 
and  a  few  chosen  friends.  But  in  so  large  and 
affectionate  a  circle,  it  was  found  difficult  to 
reduce  the  number  sufficiently,  as  she  was 
unable  to  bear  the  excitement  of  a  large  as- 
sembly. It  was  therefore  determined  to  con- 
fine tlae  little  company  to  the  members  of  her 
family,  the  elders  of  the  church,  the  Rev.  J. 
S.  Eastmead,  and  the  kind  friend  who  had 
undertaken  her  young  ladies'  class.  On  March 
16,  they  assembled  in  the  study,  where  she  lay 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


297 


on  a  couch,  and  the  visitors,  seventeen  in  num- 
ber, sat  around  the  room.  That  "upper  room " 
no  one  who  was  present  will  ever  forget.  She 
had  often  expressed  a  desire  to  "hear  that 
sweet  hymn  sung  once  more." 

"  There  is  a  happy  land,  far,  far  away, 
Where  saints  in  glory  stand,  bright,  bright  as  day; 
Oh,  how  they  sweetly  sing.  Worthy  is  our  Saviour  Kins;, 
Loud  let  his  praises  ring,  praise,  praise  for  aye. 

Come  to  this  happy  land,  come,  come  away; 

Why  will  ye  doubting  stand,  why  still  delay? 

Oh,  we  shall  happy  be,  when  from  sin  and  sorrow  free ; 

Lord,  we  shall  live  with  thee,  blest,  blest  for  aye. 

Bright  in  that  happy  land  beams  every  eye — 
Kept  by  a  Father's  hand,  love  cannot  die. 
On  then,  to  glory  run,  be  a  crown  and  kingdom  won, 
And  bright  above  the  sun,  reign,  reign  for  aye." 

It  was  therefore  suggested  that  some  of  the 
children  from  the  Infant-school  should  sing  it, 
before  the  commencement  of  the  sacramental 
service.  They  were  placed  in  an  adjoining 
room,  whence  their  infantine  voices,  softened 
by  distance  and  subdued  by  the  solemnity  of 
the  occasion,  cheered  without  exciting  the 
spirit  of  the  precious  invalid,  so  soon  about  to 
enter  that  "happy  land"  of  which  they  so 
sweetly  sung. 


298 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


The  address  of  Mr.  Clayton,  and  his  mode  of 
conducting  the  whole  service,  wer«  peculiarly 
appropriate,  edifying,  and  affecting;  and  the 
delight  she  experienced,  from  the  refreshment 
of  soul  and  the  sensible  enjoyment  of  her  Sav- 
iour's presence  at  the  celebration  of  this  feast 
of  love,  was  much  increased  by  the  addition 
to  the  number  of  its  guests,  for  the  first  time, 
of  two  of  her  servants,  one  of  whom  attrib- 
uted her  decision  to  the  exliibition  of  the 
power  of  religion  to  sustain  and  cheer  in  the 
hour  of  sickness,  which  she  had  witnessed  in 
her  beloved  mistress. 

"When  asked  what  arrangement  she  wished 
to  be  made,  she  answered,  "Let  that  be  left 
to  Mr.  Clayton ;  but  there  are  two  parts  of  the 
communion-service  which  I  should  like  to  hear 
again:  the  prayer  commencing,  'We  do  not 
presume  to  come  to  this  Thy  table  trusting  in 
our  own  righteousness;'  and  the  anthems,  be- 
ginning, '  Therefore  with  angels  and  archan- 
gels, and  with  all  the  company  of  heaven,'  and 
'Glory  be  to  God  on  high:'"  she  added,  "I 
hope  all  will  join;  /  will  if  I  am  able;"  and 
this  she  did  in  as  audible  a  whisper  as  her 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL.  '  299 

weakness  would  allow.  Her  countenance  was 
lighted  with  the  sunshine  of  heaven,  and  she 
seemed,  as  she  said  after  the  service  was  con- 
cluded, as  though  she  was  but  echoing  the 
joyous  notes  of  the  angels  and  the  spirits  of 
the  just  made  perfect.  After  a  collection  had 
been  made  in  the  room  by  her  special  request 
for  the  Lord's  poor,  which  amounted  to  about 
twelve  pounds,  to  be  afterwards  distributed  by 
the  elders  among  some  objects  which  she  es- 
pecially selected,  the  little  company  separated 
to  meet  no  more  unitedly  till  they  sit  down  at 
the  marriage-supper  of  the  Lamb. 

March  18. — One  of  her  young  friends  who 
came  to  take  leave  of  her,  expecting  only  to 
shake  hands  without  speaking,  being  surprised 
to  find  her  so  cheerful  and  animated,  said,  "I 
am  glad  to  see  you  so  well."  The  dear  invalid 
answered  with  a  sinile, 

"Jesus  can  make  a  dying  bed 

Feel  soft  as  downy  pillows  are; 
While  on  kis  breast  I  lean  my  head, 

And  breathe  my  life  out  sweetly  there." 

March  19th  was  the  Sabbath.  After  hear- 
ing the  notes  of  the  morning  sermon,  on  2 


300 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


Samuel  23  :  5,  read,  she  remarked,  "  Yes,  I 
know  the  covenant  is  sure,  and  it  is  sure  to 
me ;  and  though  I  cannot  always  realize  it, 
that  does  not  alter  its  security.  All  these 
glorious  things  seem  to  carnal  reason  a  dream, 
hut  they  are  not;  I  feel  them  to  be  heavenly 
realities." 

March  26. — The  symptoms  were  very  alarm- 
ing, and  immediate  danger  was  apprehended, 
but  towards  evening  she  revived,  and  was 
cheerful  as  usual.  When  the  family  were  at 
chapel  she  said,  I  wonder  whether  I  shall  be 
here  next  Sunday.  I  am  come  to  this  point 
now  —  anticipatian ;  whenever  the  message 
comes  it  will  be  welcome.  The  pins  of  the 
tabernacle  must  be  taken  out,  and  they  are 
being  removed  very  gently ;  how  I  shall  rejoice 
when  the  last  is  pulled  up  and  the  tabernacle 
falls."  Her  friend  replied,  "What  a  blessing 
to  meet  the  last  enemy  without  fear."  She 
immediately  said,  with  great  composure,  "1 
have  no  fear ;  he  is  not  an  enemy,  at  least  he 
has  no  power  to  hurt  me." 

A  friend  remarking,  "Well,  there  is  not 
much  to  live  for,"  with  quickness  she  observed, 


DEATH  AJ^D  FUNERAL. 


301 


"Oh,  but  I  have  much  to  live  for.  I  have  no 
sympathy  with  those  who  talk  thus.  I  sup- 
pose I  have  had  fewer  crooks  than  they ;  my 
I)ath  has  been  such  an  unusually  happy  one; 
but  should  it  not  be  a  Christian's  desire,  if  it 
be  the  will  of  God,  to  live  and  glorify  him  by 
the  spread  of  his  truth?  Since  I  have  felt 
there  was  no  hope  of  recovery,  I  have  been 
wonderfully  relieved  from  anxiety  respecting 
the  dear  ones  left  behind.  I  cannot  suffer 
myself  to  think  much  about  them,  but  I  know 
that  He  to  whom  I  have  committed  my  soul 
will  take  care  of  them.  My  early  removal  is 
indeed  a  bhght  upon  all  our  plans;  is  it  not? 
I  may  say  'I  am  cut  off  in  the  midst  of  my 
days,'  we  were  so  happy."  Thus  she  showed 
that  her  composure  did  not  arise  from  insensi- 
bility. 

April  19. — An  old  friend  and  former  play- 
fellow called  to  take  leave  of  her ;  in  childhood 
and  youth  they  had  spent  many,  many  happy 
days  together,  and  the  sight  of  him  fdled  her 
eyeis  with  tears;  but  she  soon  recovered,  and 

said,  "Oh,  J  ,  tears  are  not  often  seen  in 

my  eyes,  but  I  am  so  weak  in  body  and  mind 


302 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


now,  I  am  scarcely  able  to  speak  to  you ; 
but  I  shall  soon  be  where  my  tongue  will  be 
loosed,  and  I  shall  serve  my  G-od  without 
weakness  either  of  soul  or  body.  Mind;  be 
sure  you  meet  me  there."  Then,  giving  him 
"Christ  on  the  Cross"  as  a  parting  memo- 
rial, she  added,  "The  Cross  of  Christ  is  all 
my  support  and  hope.  Oh,  that  I  had  a 
tongue  to  urge  all  to  seek  refuge  there.  Is  it 
not  a  comfort  to  feel  the  sting  of  death  re- 
moved ?" 

The  intelligent  and  manly  traveller  whom 
she  thus  pointedly  addressed,  was  quite  over- 
come, giving  evidence  by  his  emotion  that 
neither  her  words  nor  her  manner  of  uttering 
them  had  been  lost  on  him.  May  all  her 
wishes  be  realized.  When  he  was  gone,  she 
said,  "I  did  not  convey  half  my  meaning;  I 
wanted  to  exalt  my  Master  more."  She  usu- 
ally dropped  a  word  in  season  to  each  of  her 
visitors  and  attendants,  and  when  unable  to 
do  so,  it  was  one  of  her  greatest  crosses.  "I 
know,"  she  said,  "I  can  say  little  worth  being 
remembered ;  but  a  word  which  at  another 
time  might  be  thought  little <of,  spoken  by  one 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


303 


under  my  circumstances,  may  make  an  im- 
pression and  be  remembered  hereafter." 

April  27. — This  being  a  day  of  increased 
pain  and  Aveariness,  there  was  an  expression 
of  distress  on  her  usually  placid  countenance 
which  it  was  very  affecting  to  witness.  A 
promise  being  whispered  to  her,  immediately 
a  sweet  smile,  the  only  sign  of  pleasure  she 
was  able  to  give,  confirmed  the  beautiful  sen- 
timent of  Cowper : 

"  How  sweet  the  name  o{  Jesus  sounds 
In  a  believer's  ear." 

On  her  friend  expressing  a  wish  that  some 
resting-place  could  be  contrived  for  her  back, 
as  she  sat  up  wearied  on  the  sofa,  afraid  to  lie 
down  on  account  of  the  irritation  of  the  cough, 
she  replied,  "I  shall  soon  have  one,"  and  then 
looking  up  joyfully,  asked,  evidently  hoping  to 
be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  "Do  you  not 
think  I  am  sinking  now?" 

April  28. — She  had  often  said  that  the  time 
which  she  most  enjoyed  was  just  before  going  to 
sleep,  when  the  cough  which  was  usually  very 
troublesome  after  first  lying  down  in  bed,  was 
beginning  to  subside  a  little;  but  this  after 


304 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


noon  she  called  her  friend  to  her,  and  said,  "I 
have  had  such  a  dehghtful  time  for  thinking, 
so  unusual  during  the  day.  My  communion 
with  my  Lord  was  sweet  indeed.  Who  says 
that  religion  is  not  a  reality?  Oh,  if  they  had 
enjoyed  the  precious  promises  of  God,  the  as-  > 
surance  of  the  forgiveness  of,  sins,  and  the  cer- 
tainty of  dwelling  for  ever  in  a  house  not  made 
with  hands  eternal  in  the  heavens,  because 
purchased  by  my  Redeemer's  blood  and  pre- 
pared by  his  glorious  residence,  as  I  have  done 
this  day,  they  would  say  as  I  can,  '  that  which 
we  have  seen  with  our  eyes,  and  our  hands 
have  handled,  declare  we  unto  you.'  1  must 
say  I  was  glad  to  hear  that  the  expectoration 
was  unfavorable,  because  I  know  it  is  a  sign 
that  the  end  is  near.  Do  you  think  it  is  wrong 
to  feel  so?  I  have  been  examining,  and  I  do 
not  think  it  is.  Oh,  the  thought  of  being  soon 
freed  from  sin,  it  is  too  much,  too  overpower- 
ing. I  do  not  think  I  wish  death,  to  be  re- 
leased from  suffering,  though  the  flesh  will 
shrink  from  that." 

April  29th  was  a  day  in  which  extreme 
weakness  was  experienced.    When  she  heard 


DEATH  AND  FUKERAL. 


305 


the  voice  of  her  vounsrest  child,  she  called  her, 
and  had  her  placed  for  a  moment  on  her  knees. 
Looking  at  her  with  inexpressible  tenderness, 
she  said,  "Mamma  is  going  to  heaven;  will 
my  precious  child  meet  me  there?"  The  dear 
little  creature  replied  with  energy,  "Yes,  mam- 
ma." The  answer  awoke  strong  emotion,  and 
prevented  her  from  saying  more. 

May  10. — The  annual  sermon  for  the  Lon- 
don Missionary  Society  was  preached  at  Surrey 
chapel  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Candlish.  When  her 
friend  went  to  her  in  the  morning  she  was 
much  exhausted  for  want  of  rest;  and  when 
the  text  was  repeated,  "Though  I  walk 
through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I 
will  fear  no  evil;  for  thou  art  with  me;  thy 
rod  and  thy  staff,  they  comfort  me,"  she  whis- 
pered something,  which  her  friend  thought 
was  asking  for  a  hymn,  and  went  to  fetch  the 
book;  but  .she  repeated  in  a  loud  whisper, 
striking  the  bed  to  intimate  a  feeling  she  was 
unable' to  express,  "He  never  will  forsake  me." 
In  the  course  of  the  morning,  Toplady's  hymn 
was  read,  beginning,  "AVhen  languor  and  dis- 
ease invade."    On  coming  to  that  verse, 

She  mi  an.  20 


306 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


"Sweet  to  rejoice  in  lively  hope, 

That  when  iny  change  shall  come, 
Angels  will  bear  my  spirit  up 
To  my  eternal  home," 

she  said,  "Ah,  angels  carried  Rowland  Hill'a 
spirit  from  this  room.  AVill  it  not  be  an  honor 
to  be  escorted  into  my  Saviour's  presence  from 
the  same  spot?" 

After  the  service  she  expressed  a  wish  "to 
see  dear  Mr.  James  of  Birmingham;  he  was 
the  instrument  of  bringing  my  husband  to 
Surrey  chapel ;  his  piety  has  always  appeared 
to  me  very  eminent,  and  God  has  signally 
owned  his  treatises,  which  have  but  one  object, 
the  winning  of  souls  to  our  divine  Lord.  I 
should  like  to  shake  him  by  the  hand  and  hear 
his  voice  in  prayer,  before  I  meet  him  in  heav- 
en." Mr.  James  came  in,  and  thus  describes 
his  impressions. 

"The  interview  which  I  was  privileged  to 
hold  with  Mrs.  Sherman,  about  a  week  before 
her  dismissal,  was  a  scene  to  which  I  recollect 
no  parallel,  and  which  it  is  quite  impossible  ff>r 
me  either  to  forget  or  describe.  Her  counte- 
nance, beautiful  even  in  death,  wa«  lighted  up 
with  a  smile  that  looked  rather  like  the  joy 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL.  307 

which  we  can  conceive  illuminates  the  soul 
emerging  from  the  cold  stream  of  death,  as  a 
dreaded  event  that  was  over,  than  of  one  who 
was  looking  forward  to  it  as  just  at  hand.  It 
was  not  only  a  smile  in  death,  but  it  was  a 
smile  at  death. 

"It  was  the  morning  of  the  missionary  ser- 
mon in  this  place;  when  she  could  hear  the 
sound  of  the  organ  and  the  chorus  of  praise 
rising  from  the  congregated  host,  and  which  in 
bygone  times  she  had  helped  to  swell.  She 
could  hear  the  hum  of  voices  and  the  sounds 
of  recognition  and  gratulation  beneath  her 
window,  of  the  tribes  that  had  come  up  to 
Zion;  and  there  was  she,  in  the  chamber  of 
sickness,  on  the  bed  of  death,  contrasting  her 
situation  with  the  gladsome  circumstances  of 
multitudes  in  all  the  vigor  of  life  and  the  joy- 
ousness  of  health.  If  a  momentary  cloud,  a 
passing  gloom,  had  come  over  the  spirit  from 
such  a  contrast,  who  could  have  wondered — 
yea,  who  docs  not  wonder  that  it  did  not? 
But  it.  did  not.  The  Sun  of  righteousness  in 
cloudless  splendor  shone  upon  her  soul,  which 
reflected  his  beams  in  that,  I  repeat,  most 


308 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


iieavenly  smile  that  I  ever  saw  upon  the  coun- 
tenance of  any  human  being  in  life  or  death. 
She  seemed  standing  -svithin  the  precincts  of 
glory ;  and  the  only  thing  that  reminded  me  of 
mortality  was  the  wasted  form  and  the  natural 
tear  she  dropped — hut  wiped  it  soon — which, 
though  it  glistened  in  her  eye,  still  sparkling, 
did  not  for  a  moment  interrupt  the  inefTable 
joy.  I  felt,  yea,  I  said  to  her,  'If  this  he  dy- 
ing, who  would  not  lie  down  and  die  with  you, 
if  they  could  die  like  you?'  She  would  have 
talked  if  the  strength  of  her  body  had  been 
equal  to  the  vigor  of  her  soul;  but  every  syl- 
lable she  uttered  was  descriptive  of  a  'peace 
that  passeth  understanding,'  a  'joy  unspeak- 
able and  full  of  glory.' 

"Could  such  a  scene  as  that  be  witnessed 
in  public — as  it  must  be  witnessed  to  be 
known,  for  no  words  can  describe  it — Chris- 
tianity would,  one  should  suppose,  then  appear 
to  all  men  a  divine  reality,  a  heavenly  plant, 
an  eternal  substance,  and  no  man  would  have 
power  or  heart,  except  he  M-ere  a  demon,  to 
say  aught  against  it.  Before  that  scene  the 
loftiest  philosopher  must  be  humbled,  infidelity 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


309 


turn  pale  and  silent,  and  folly  and  vice,  for  a 
brief  season,  become  serious,  and  disposed  to 
say,  'Let  mo  die  the  death  of  the  righteous, 
and  let  my  last  end  be  like  hers.' " 

Mat  14. — One  of  the  elders  who  visited  her 
stated  that  he  could  never  forget  the  peculiar 
and  inexpressible  unction  which  accompanied 
the  few  sentences  she  was  enabled  to  utter, 
which  gave  him  the  impression  that  heaven 
had  indeed  come  down  to  her,  and  that  she 
could  not  be  far  from  it.  One  he  particularly 
records:  looking  at  him  as  Mr.  James  de- 
scribes, she  said,  "I  am  now  lying  at  the  foot 
of  His  cross;  I  shall  soon  stand  before  his 
throne."  A  cloud,  though  a  bright  one,  seem- 
ed in  the  evening  to  rest  upon  her  spirit.  She 
was,  however,  able  to  converse  with  her  hus- 
band; but  how  can  he  describe  the  interview? 
She  was  the  comforter  and  he  the  mourner. 
Her  tongue  dropped  sentences  like  sweet- 
smelling  myrrh  to  his  afflicted  spirit ;  her  faith 
grasped  the  promises;  and  twice  or  thrice, 
adapting  the  action  to  the  metaphor,  she  put 
some  of  them,  which  she  repeated,  into  his 
hands,  as  a  wife's  legacy — "the  words  of  a 


310 


MARTHA  SHEIIMAN. 


living  and  faithful  God."  Then  looking  for- 
ward to  the  "rising  growth"  of  her  children, 
she  described  Christ  as  taking  first  the  eldest, 
and  guiding  her  as  a  lamb  into  his  fold — saw 
her  useful  in  teaching  and  gathering  others  to 
her  Saviour:  then  the  little  one,  who  by  her 
docility  and  tenderness  during  her  affliction 
had  greatly  endeared  herself  to  her  mother's 
heart,  following  her  sister  in  the  same  happy 
course,  "blessed  and  a  blessing."  A  pause 
ensued;  she  appeared  full  of  thought;  the 
tears  gushed  from  her  eyes,  and  in  tones  of 
tenderest  sympathy,  she  exclaimed,  "0  God, 
my  son,  my  son — convert,  save  my  son!" 

Recovering  herself  and  resuming  her  heav- 
enly smile,  she  took  her  husband's  hand,  say- 
ing, "Thirteen  years  of  more  bliss  has  been 
granted  to  us  than  ordinarily  falls  to  the  lot  of 
most,  even  of  the  children  of  God.  We  have 
had  much  to  do  for  Christ,  and  that  has  made 
us  happy ;  we  have  talked  of  his  grace,  united 
in  his  ordinances,  and  loved  his  service;  my 
work,  feeble  as  it  has  been,  is  done;  but 
yours — the  Lord  lengthen  your  term  of  labor, 
for  the  sake  of  my  babes — may  be  extensive. 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL.  311 

Forgive  a  wife,  if  with  her  dying  hreath  she 
i'dj,  preach  Christ  and  his  salvation  more  fully, 
more  conspicuously,  more  feelingly  than  ever. 
It  has  been,  I  know,  your  aim  to  exalt  him  all 
your  life ;  hut  let  your  remaining  efforts  in  the 
pulpit  extol  him  and  make  him  very  high.  I 
am  sure  I  am  very  near  death,  and  fearing  I 
may  not  be  able  to  speak  when  he  comes,  it 
has  comforted  me  to  tell  you  my  heart.  Do 
not  weep,  cheer  up;  Christ  your  master  will 
give  you  strength  and  grace,  and  we  shall 
meet  after  a  few  short  years  to  dwell  in  the 
full  blaze  of  glory  and  immortality." 

May  15. — The  members  of  the  London  Mis- 
sionary Society  met  at  Surrey  chapel,  to  cele- 
brate the  death  of  Christ  by  partaking  of  the 
Lord's  supper.  After  the  service,  the  Rev.  D. 
J.  Smith  of  Dublin  prayed  with  her,  but  her 
exhaustion  was  so  great  that  she  lay  apparent- 
ly unconscious  of  all  around.  About  an  hour 
afterwards,  the  Rev.  James  Parsons  of  York 
saw  her;  she  h^id  by  that  time  so  far  recovered 
as  to  be  able  to  whisper  a  few  words  in  answer 
to  questions  which  he  proposed,  and  to  attend 
to  the  petitions  which  he  kindly  offered.  The 


312 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


next  day  she  i^aid,  "  The  last  hymn  which  they 
sang  in  the  chapel  reminded  me  how  they 
were  engaged,  and  I  felt  I  could  join  in  spirit 
with  them.  Afterwards,  such  joy  was  diffused 
through  my  soul  that  I  cannot  describe  the 
sensation  it  produced.  I  seemed  to  be  holding 
communion  with  a  dear  friend  whom  I  had 
not  seen  for  some  time,  and  the  moments  were 
so  precious  that  even  the  presence  of  those  good 
men  was,  at  first,  an  interruption."  Being  told 
that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  concluded  the  service 
with  a  very  impressive  prayer,  in  which  she 
was  specially  mentioned,  she  replied,  "Was 
not  the  joy  I  felt  at  that  very  time  an  imme- 
diate answer  to  that  prayer?  That  promise 
was  fulfilled  in  this  instance.  While  they  are 
yet  .speaking,  I  will  hear." 

On  the  17th  of  May,  it  was  evident  that 
death  was  approaching;  but  to  the  surprise  of 
all,  she  rallied  again,  and  slept  tolerably  well 
during  the  night. 

About  twelve  o'clock,  on  the  18th,  no  doubt 
could  remain  what  the  result  must  soon  be, 
The  first  intimation  of  the  actual  approach  of 
death  was  given  by  the  precious  invalid  her- 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


313 


self.  She  took  the  hand  of  the  nurse,  smiled, 
and  shook  it,  and  beckoned  the  cook  to  come 
and  receive  the  same  token  of  aflfection.  Then 
looking  round  for  the  housemaid,  in  whom  for 
four  years  she  had  taken  the  deepest  interest, 
she  grasped  her  hand  when  she  entered  the 
room  with  great  emotion,  and  pointed  upwards. 
The  struggle  for  breath,  the  excessive  pain  in 
the  side,  and  the  convulsive  agony  of  the  whole 
frame  were  fearful;  but  the  celestial  joy  with- 
in surpassed  the  expectations  of  all  the  family, 
every  member  of  which  was  present,  except 
her  venerable  father. 

To  the  last,  her  intellect  was  vmimpaired, 
and  her  speech  sufficiently  loud  to  be  heard. 
The  hour  of  death  is  always  solemn;  it  was 
specially  felt  to  be  so  on  this  occasion;  and 
the  fear  was,  lest  any  intrusive  conversation 
should  interrupt  the  communion,  which  it  was 
evident  her  sanctified  spirit  was  holding  with 
her  Redeemer.  None  doubted  her  safety,  if 
she  had  not  uttered  a  word ;  yet  for  the  con- 
viction of  some  and  the  comfort  of  all,  a  few 
questions  at  intervals  were  put,  the  answers  to 
which  showed  the  stability  of  her  hope. 


314 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


"  The  long  looked-for  hour  is  come,  my 
dear,"  said  her  husband.  "It  is,"  she  replied, 
"blessed  be  my  Saviour."  "You  have  long 
professed  that  Christ  was  precious;  is  he  pre- 
cious to  you  now?"  Lifting  up  her  almost 
fleshless  anus  and  hands,  like  the  wings  of  a 
bird  ready  to  fly,  she  let  them  fall  on  the  bed, 
and  exclaimed,  "Infinitely,  infinitely!"  "Have 
you,  my  precious  one,  any  consciousness  of  the 
immediate  presence  of  Jesus  Christ?"  Pausing 
for  a  moment,  she  replied,  "No;  I  do  not  know 
what  that  is;  my  consciousness  is  the  con- 
sciousness of  faith.  I  know  that  he  is  with 
me,  by  the  support  and  ineffable  consolations 
he  pours  into  my  soul;  but  I  shall  soon  know 
what  it  is,  for  I  shall  be  with  him,  and  be  like 
him."  "Then,  like  David,  you  can  say  you 
fear  no  evil  in  the  dark  valley."  She  replied, 
"  The  valley  is  very  long,  but  not  dark,  for  he 
is  with  me  in  it;  his  rod  and  his  staff"  comfort 
me."  "  Then  you  can  bear  testimony  to  your 
children  that  a  life  spent  in  the  service  of  God 
is  a  most  pleasant  and  profitable  life?"  As  if 
making  an  ■  effort  beyond  her  strength  to  say 
something  which  her  heart  dictated,  but  find- 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL.  315 

ing  it  impossible,  she  again  raised  her  arms  as 
before,  and  replied  with  energy,  "7  can;  I 
canP  "What  now,  when  earth  is  vanishing, 
is  your  sole  dependence  for  acceptance  with 
God  at  the  great  day?"  "Only  the  perfect 
and  finished  righteousness  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ: 

"  '  Noth-ing  in  my  hand  I  bring ; 
Simply  to  the  cross  I  cling.' " 

Many  other  precious  words  and  sentences 
fell  from  her  lips;  but  these  will  suffice  to 
show  the  fulness  of  her  joy,  and  what  an 
abundant  entrance  was  given  her  into  the 
kingdom  of  her  Grod  and  Saviour.  At  a  little 
after  three  o'clock  she  requested  to  be  left 
with  the  servants,  but  in  a  few  minutes  the 
family  were  summoned  to  witness  the  last 
convulsive  struggle  with  the  enemy,  which 
had  just  commenced,  and  at  twenty  minutes 
to  four  o'clock,  on  Thursday  afternoon.  May 
18;  1848,  in  the  42d  year  of  her  age,  she  fell 
asleep  in  Jesus. 

Although  the  painful  event  had  been  long 
expected,  its  announcement  produced  general 
and  sincere  sorrow  throughout  the  congrega- 


316 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


tion  and  neighborhood,  and  in  a  large  circle  of 
friends,  who  evinced  the  tenderest  sympathy 
for  her  bereaved  husband  and  family.  The 
funeral  was  appointed  to  take  place  on  Thurs- 
day, May  25,  at  Abney-park  cemetery,  where 
the  family  vault  is  situated,  and  in  which  the 
remains  of  her  beloved  mother  are  deposited.  A 
large  number  of  persons,  especially  of  the  poor, 
assembled  in  the  chapel-yard  to  witness  the  de- 
parture of  the  mournful  procession,  which  left 
the  parsonage  at  eleven  o'clock.  The  hearse 
was  followed  by  twelve  mourning  coaches, 
which  contained  the  relatives  of  the  deceased, 
the  officiating  ministers,  the  trustees,  the  el- 
ders of  the  church,  and  many  of  the  most  de- 
voted friends  connected  with  the  congregation. 
Xext  to  these  were  four  private  carriages,  sent 
bv  their  owners,  to  show  their  affectionate  es- 
teem for  the  pastor's  wife,  in  which  were  seat- 
ed her  children,  a  few  female  friends,  and  the 
servants  of  the  family.  As  a  mark  of  respect, 
many  shops  in  the  line  of  the  cavalcade  were 
closed,  and  tears  were  dropped  from  many 
spectators  who  had  once  witnessed  her  devoted 
zeal,  or  received  help  from  her  kind  hand. 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


317 


On  the  arrival  of  the  body  at  its  earthly 
resting-place,  the  scene  was  peculiarly  affect- 
ing: the  poor  women  of  the  maternal  associa- 
tion, over  which  the  departed  saint  had  pre- 
sided, and  the  young  people  of  her  classes, 
dressed  in  respectful  mourning,  lined  the  path- 
way to  the  cemetery  chapel,  deeply  sorrowing 
that  they  should  see  her  face  no  more.  Friends 
from  the  congregation  and  from  various  parts, 
amounting,  it  was  computed,  to  not  fewer  than 
2,000  persons,  assembled  in  the  cemetery,  to 
show  by  their  presence  and  habiliments  a  last 
token  of  affectionate  regard.  When  the  body 
was  placed  in  the  cemetery  chapel,  the  chil- 
dren of  the  school  of  industry  surrounded  the 
earthly  remains  of  their  treasurer,  and  showed 
by  their  youthful  sorrow  that  they  felt  they 
had  lost  a  friend. 

The  Rev.  S.  A.  Davies  of  Enfield,  Mrs. 
Sherman's  former  pastor,  commenced  the  sol- 
emn service  by  reading  part  of  the  fifteenth 
chapter  of  the*  first  of  Corinthians,  and  the 
ninetieth  Psalm;  and  after  the  congregation 
had  sung  the  suitable  hymn  of  Dr.  Watts,  be- 
ginning, "Whydowe  mourn  departing  friends," 


318 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


he  sought  by  prayer  the  benediction  of  heaven 
on  the  weeping  assembly.  The  Rev.  George 
Clayton,  in  compliance  with  the  wish  of  the 
deceased,  then  delivered  a  most  solemn  and 
appropriate  address,  applying  the  event  by 
sanctified  eloquence  to  the  consciences  of  all 
present,  and,  it  is  believed,  produced  impres- 
sions time  will  never  efface.  When  the  body 
was  conveyed  from  the"  chapel  to  the  tomb,  the 
elders  of  the  church  bore  the  pall,  and  as  the  pro- 
cession slowly  advanced,  the  gentlemen  of  the 
choir,  the  children  of  the  school,  and  the  congre- 
gation sung  the  hymn  of  Dr.  AYatts,  beginning, 

"Unveil  thy  bosom,  faithful  tomb, 
Take  this  new  treasure  to  thy  trust."' 

Arrived  at  the  place  of  sepulture,  the  funeral 
service  was  read  by  the  Rev.  J.  S.  Eastmead, 
and  the  benediction  pronounced  by  the  Rev. 
George  Clayton.  The  whole  assembly  closed 
the  solemn  service  by  attempting  to  sing — 
which  was  accomplished  with  difficulty — the 
two  following  verses : 

"Farewell,  dear  saint,  a  short  adieu! 
Thy  soul  is  gone  beyond  the  spheres; 
Our  eyes  thy  radiant  path  pursue, 
"While  rapture  glistens  in  our  tears. 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


319 


Farewell,  blest  saint,  a  short  farewell, 
Till  soon  we  meet  again  above, 
In  the  bright  world  where  pleasures  dwell, 
And  trees  of  life  bear  fruits  of  love." 

"The  whole  scene,"  remarks  a  friend,  "was 
one  of  vinusual  interest.  Devout  men  and 
women  followed  our  departed  friend  to  her 
burial,  and  made  great,  but  sincere  lamenta- 
tion over  her.  '  The  widows  stood  by  weep- 
ing,' and  the  young  people  of  the  classes  testi- 
fied, by  their  presence  and  tears,  what  had 
been  done  for  them  '  while  she  was  with  them.' 
The  language  of  every  heart  that  witnessed 
these  solemnities  appeared  to  be,  "Blessed  are 
the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from  hence- 
forth: Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may 
re.st  from  their  labors ;  and  their  works  do  fol- 
low them.' " 

About  a  week  before  the  sainted  spirit  enter- 
ed into  rest,  when  familiarly  anticipating  the 
event,  and  making  her  own  arrangements  to 
send  dying  tokens  of  love  to  her  friends,  her 
husband  asked  what  message  he  should  carry 
to  the  people  when  she  was  taken  from  them 
Her  brief  answer  was,  "Tell  them  to  love 


320 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


Christ  and  one  another — to  labor  for  souls  and 
exhibit  holiness — then  they  must  be  happy." 
He  then  ventured  to  ask  what  minister  she 
would  prefer,  to  improve  her  decease  to  the 
congregation.  "I  would  rather,"  she  replied, 
"it  should  pass  with  only  ordinary  observa- 
tion ;  but  as  I  suppose  the  congregation  will 
expect,  from  the  situation  I  occupied,  some 
special  attempt  to  benefit  others,  if  Mr.  James 
could  preach  in  the  morning,  to  the  church, 
and  Mr.  Parsons  in  the  evening,  to  the  young 
and  to  my  classes,  my  death  might  yield  some 
fruit;  the  hope  of  usefulness  alone  induces  me 
to  consent  to  any  arrangement  of  the  kind." 

Her  wish  was  communicated  to  those  hon- 
ored servants  of  Christ,  and  on  the  Lord's-day, 
May  28th,  they  most  kindly  carried  out  her 
desires:  the  Rev.  J.  A.  James  preached  to  the 
members  of  the  church  in  the  morning,  from 
Hebrews  6  :  12,  "That  ye  be  not  slothful,  but 
followers  of  them  who  through  faith  and  pa- 
tience, inherit  the  promises;"  a  sermon  char- 
acterized by  fervent  piety  and  powerful  appli- 
cation of  the  principles  of  the  gospel  which 
the  deceased  adorned,  to  her  surviving  fellow- 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL.  321 

believers.  The  hearts  of  the  hearers  felt  its 
spiritual  power,  and  were  melted  by  its  tender 
and  faithful  appeals.  In  the  evening,  the  Rev. 
James  Parsons  preached  to  the  young  from 
Job  14:2,  "He  cometh  forth  like  a  flower, 
and  is  cut  down."  The  sermon  was  full  of 
earnest  persuasion,  and  being  delivered  under 
a  full  sense  of  the  responsibility  of  the  hour, 
produced  a  remarkable  impression,  the  saving 
fruits  of  which  have  already  appeared. 

Thus  terminated  the  career  of  one  whom 
God  had  graciously  endowed  with  "largeness 
of  heart"  for  his  service  on  earth — whose  re- 
moval in  the  prime  of  life  has  excited  the 
sober  luxury  of  sanctified  grief,  and  whose 
eminent  piety  shed  a  lustre  on  her  character 
and  left  a  beautiful  example  of  female  devoted- 
ncss  for  others  to  imitate. 


The  following  description  of  the  funeral 
icene,  and  the  right  method  of  improving  it, 
<vas  written  by  her  valued  friend,  Joseph 
Payne,  Esq  : 


Sherman. 


21 


322 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


MRS.  SHERMAN'S  FUNERAL. 

BY   ONE  WHO  ATTENDED  IT. 

The  sun  looked  glorious  from  the  heavens — the  sky 

"Was  bright,  serene,  and  cloudless ;  and  the  day 

Seemed  fitter  for  a  bridal  than  the  gloom 

Of  funeral  arrangements,  when  the  good, 

The  gentle,  the  lamented,  the  admired. 

Was  "carried  to  her  burial."*    Crowds  were  there, 

Eager  to  testify  the  love  and  grief 

That  filled  their  friendly  bosoms :  rich  and  poor, 

The  charioted  in  splendor,  and  the  lame, 

Supported  by  a  crutch,  were  mingled  then 

In  anxious  emulation;  old  and  yomig 

Vied  with  each  other  :  shops  were  partly  closed, 

And  busy  tradesmen  silent  stood  and  gazed. 

On  as  the  funeral  procession  went. 

Group  after  group  it  passed  of  friendly  forms. 

All  hastening  to  the  body's  resting-place. 

The  Sabbath  scholar,  and  the  teacher  too — 

The  mother  with  her  infant  in  her  arms. 

Her  little  one  beside  her — roimd  whose  waist 

Was  tied  a  faded  sash  which  once  was  black — 

Trudged  on,  regardless  of  the  scorching  heat, 

And  of  the  choking  dust:  their  hearts  were  fuU, 

And  so  their  bodies  were  not  delicate. 

And  as  it  farther  went,  the  numbers  grew : 

And  sighs  were  heard,  and  eyes  with  tears  were  wet, 

And  those  who  in  the  sombre  coaches  rode, 

As  they  looked  forth  upon  the  stirring  scene. 

Said  to  themselves,  and  to  each  other  said, 

"Truly,  '  the  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed.'  "t 

And  when  at  length  they  reached  the  destined  spot, 

And  in  the  small  and  crowded  chapel  stood, 

•Acfe  8:2.  t  Proverbs  10  :  7. 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


323 


The  word  was  read,  the  voice  of  praj'er  was  heard, 

The  hymn  of  praise  arose,  and  the  address, 

Solemn,  instructive,  eloquent,  sincere, 

Gushed  forth  from  feeling  and  from  £i-ieadly  lips. 

There  sat  the  widower,  binding  to  his  heart 

The  consolations,  "neither  few  nor  small,'' 

He  oft  had  preached  to  others :  there  the  child, 

Of  many  hopeful  feelings,  by  the  hand 

Of  sisterly  affection  kindly  held. 

There  too,  the  father  looked,  in  deep  dismay. 

On  the  last  broken  link  of  love's  sweet  chain, 

Which  bound  him  to  the  earth ;  yet  sorrowing  not 

As  one  who  has  no  hope.    A  while  they  paused, 

Then  slowly  sought  the  tomb,  and  to  its  walls 

Resigned  their  sacred  trust ;  and  softly  sang, 

"Farewell,  dear  saint!" — and  then  the  mourners  left, 

Took  off  their  sable  robes,  and  homeward  turned. 

To  "go  about  the  streets,"*  as  heretofore. 

But  one  looked  back,  and  in  his  fancy  twined 

A  wreath  for  the  departed ;  tuned  his  harp. 

And  thus  expressed  the  feelings  of  his  heart : 

Mourn  for  the  living,  mourn ;  • 

But  weep  not  for  the  dead :  . 
They  need  your  tears  from  whom  is  torn 

Their  pattern  and  their  head. 

But  she  the  suifering  saint, 

To  whom  release  is  given, 
No  tongue  can  tell,  no  fancy  paint. 

Her  joy  and  peace  in  heaven. 

Mourn  for  the  living,  mourn ; 

For  tliey  have  lost  a  friend, 
"Whose  spirit  is  by  angels  borne 

Where  unions  never  end. 
*  Eccle»ia»tes  12  :  5. 


321 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


The  young  she  loved  to  teach, 
For  whom  her  heart  was  moved. 

Her  bright  example  aimed  to  reach, 
And  while  they  failed,  improved. 

WTien,  desolate  and  sad, 

The  wet<;hed  sought  her  care, 
A  kind  word  and  a  smile  she  had 

E'en  for  the  meanest  there. 

And  by  her  goodness  moved, 

They  loudly  spoke  her  worth ; 
Comparing  her  to  Him  who  proved 

The  sinner's  friend  on  earth.* 

"Like  Jesus  Christ" — what  joy, 
To  hear  such  praise  bestowed 
By  those  for  whom,  in  love's  employ, 
.  She  sought  each  sad  abode  ! 

Long  to  the  couch  confined 
^         Of  sickness  and  decay. 

Her  form  grew  weaker,  but  the  mind 
Was  strengthened  day  by  day. 

And  now  and  then  it  seemed 

As  if  her  glance  had  gained 
Some  glimpse  of  glory  where  it  beamed, 

Which  on  her  soul  remained. 

*A  lafly,  one  Friday  morning,  heard  some  poor  women  speaKing 
of  Mrs.  Sherman.  One  of  them  said,  "  There  she  is,  the  dear 
creature;  she  is  like  Jesus  Christ."  "What  do  you  mean?""  said 
another;  "I  know  she  is  very  good,  but  why  is  she  Uke  Jesus 
Christ?"  "^Because,"  replied  the  first,  "she  never  despises  any  one, 
and  has  always  a  smile  and  a  kind  word  for  the  poor.  ' 


DEATH  AND  FUNERAL. 


And  tlien  such  words  she  spoke 

Of  comfort  and  delight, 
That  clouds  of  gloom  dispersed  and  broke 

And  all  around  was  bright. 

Pray  for  the  living,  pray ; 

Besiege  the  throne  of  God, 
That  all  may  seek  the  upward  way 

Her  careful  footsteps  trod. 

Let  faith  and  hope  to  bu'th, 

In  every  heart  arise, 
That  those  who  mourn  her  loss  on  earth 

May  join  her  in  the  skies. 


386 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


CHAPTER  X. 

SUMMARY  AND  APPl,iCATION  OF  HER 
CHARACTER. 

The  foregoing  pages  furnish  materials  for 
the  reader  to  form  his  own  opinion  of  the 
qharacter  of  the  deceased,  and  they  might, 
without  injury  to  her  memory,  he  left  to  work 
their  own  impressions ;  yet,  as  she  lived  to  be 
useful,  the  writer  will  be  pardoned  if  he  aim 
to  enforce  those  graces  which  were  so  eminent- 
ly conspicuous  in  her,  as  forming  a  bright  pat- 
tern of  female  excellence.  The  lives  of  many 
individuals  are  published,  whose  intellectual 
greatness  checks  every  hope  of  attaining  to 
their  exalted  stature.  The  sublimity  of  their 
views  on  divine  subjects,  the  novel  and  im- 
portant light  in  which  they  place  ancient  doc- 
trines, so  as  to  commend  them  to  the  judgment 
of  unbelievers,  the  daring  which  they  exhibit 
in  carrying  out  new  schemes  for  the  further- 
ance of  truth  and  righteousness  in  the  world, 
and  the  hold  which  their  writings  and  influ- 


VIEW  OF  HER  CHARACTER.  327 

ence  gain  on  the  population,  fit  them  to  he 
leaders. 

But  while  multitudes  read  the  lives  of  such 
moral  heroes,  the  majority,  from  conscious  in- 
feriority, have  no  intention  to  imitate  their 
exploits.  Some  attempt  to  follow  in  the  same 
track ;  but  as  it  soon  becomes  evident  to  them- 
selves and  others  that  thjey  have  not  the  requi- 
site mental  resources,  very  few  attain  a  similar 
elevation;  the  greater  number  fall  ere  they 
have  reached  a  less  exalted  position,  and  de- 
monstrate they  were  never  designed  to  occupy 
it.  But  the  life  of  Mrs.  Sherman  presents  no 
proofs  of  mighty  intellect:  her  conduct,  letters, 
and  journals,  only  show  the  Christian  lady  car- 
rying out  her  pnnciples  into  practical  opera- 
tion, and  therefore  leave  footsteps  in  the  com- 
mon walk  of  life,  in  which  any  one  may  safely 
tread. 

Nature  had  done  much  for  her  in  her  lovely 
person  and  attractive  manners,  but  grace  much 
more.  Her  scriptural  knowledge  and  ability  to 
communicate  it,  either  orally  or  by  letter,  were 
not  natural,  but  acquired.  Her  position  de- 
manded exertion  to  obtain  information,  and 


328 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


she  gave  it;  she  felt  unequal  to  her  solemn 
duties,  and  she  prepared  accordingly :  thus,  by 
the  ordinary  operation  of  industry  in  the  study 
of  the  Scriptures,  and  in  prayerful  preparation 
for  spiritual  engagements,  she  acquired  accept- 
ableness  and  usefulness  to  which  few  have  at- 
tained. It  will  be  no  disparagement  to  her,  to 
put  on  record  that,  previous  to  her  marriage, 
no  member  of  her  family  believed  her  to  pos- 
sess the  qualifications  which  she  afterwards 
exhibited.  Her  sister,  had  she  been  spared, 
bade  fair,  by  her  mental  endowments  and 
literary  acquirements,  to  take  an  influential 
position  in  the  world ;  but  the  amiable,  loving, 
merry  Martha  was  thought  capable  only  of 
gracing  a  drawing-room,  binding  friends  to  her 
by  affection,  and  benefiting  the  poor  by  gen- 
erosity :  such  duties  as  those  in  which  she  so 
peculiarly  excelled,  were  among  the  last  for 
which  she  was  supposed  to  be  fitted. 

Now  though  few,  comparatively,  are  placed 
in  her  position,  yet  the  world  and  the  church 
are  in  such  circumstances,  that  it  behooves 
every  female  to  inquire  how  she  can  best  use 
her  powers  for  the  honor  of  Christ  and  the  sal- 


VIEW  OF  HER  CHARACTER. 


329 


vation  of  her  sex.  Many  satisfy  them.selves 
by  pleading  that  they  have  no  talent  for  teach- 
ing, for  the  visitation  of  the  poor,  or  for  col- 
lecting on  behalf  of  religious  and  chai-itable 
objects;  yet  they  show  no  deficiency  of  talent 
on  any  other  subject;  and  it  is  rational  to  sup- 
pose, if  ordinary  means  were  employed  to  qual- 
ify them,  they  would  be  capable  of  these  ser- 
vices as  well  as  others. 

The  ancient  excuse,  I  am  married,  and  can- 
not come  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the 
mighty,  is  applicable  to  both  sexes.  Though 
chiefly  used  by  males,  it  is  lamentable  to  see 
many  females  who,  before  marriage,  were  the 
ornament  and  hope  of  the  community  to  which 
they  belonged,  become  inactive  and  indifferent 
afterwards;  as  if  their  new  relation  exempted 
them  from  exertion  on  behalf  of  those  objects 
in  which  they  formerly  took  such  deep  interest. 
Far  be  it  from  the  writer  to  manifest  a  want 
of  sympathy  in  the  increasing  cares  of  a  moth- 
er with  a  rising  family,  or  to  intimate  that  do- 
mestic duties  are  to  be  neglected  for  the  sake 
of  public  services.  No;  attention  to  home  is 
a  part  of  her  religion,  and  must  be  considered 


330 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


her  first  and  highest  claim,  which,  being  acknow- 
ledged and  improved,  her  husband  shall  praise 
her,  and  her  children  rise  up  and  call  her  bless- 
ed. But  a  mother  whose  zeal  for  G-od  is  ac- 
cording to  knowledge,  will,  by  a  little  early 
rising,  by  a  wise  regulation  of  the  duties  of 
the  day,  and  by  a  sense  of  her  responsibility 
to  her  Saviour,  make  such  arrangements  as 
will  secure  a  portion,  if  a  smaller  portion,  of 
her  time  for  assisting  the  operations  of  the 
church  in  the  world. 

Firmness  and  perseverance  were  strong  pe- 
culiarities of  her  mind,  and  gave  stability  and 
decision  to  her  religious  character.  Her  opin- 
ions were  not  hastily  formed ;  it  often  required 
much  reading  and  argument  to  convince  her; 
but  when  once  convinced  of  the  truth  of  a 
theory,  or  of  the  duty  of  undertaking  any 
work  for  Grod,  however  laborious  and  diffi- 
cult, she  was  immovable.  This  feature  of  her 
disposition  remarkably  contrasted  with  her 
naturally  amiable  temper,  which,  on  inferior 
matters,  in  which  conscience  was  not  affected, 
readily  yielded  at  any  sacrifice  of  feeling  to 
the  opinions,  and  even  to  the  selfishness  of 


VIEW  OF  HER  CHARACTER.  331 

others,  while  she  would  not  give  up  a  point  in 
argument  to  the  dearest  friend,  if  unconvinced. 
Hence,  fickleness,  inconstancy,  and  love  of 
change  were  almost  unknown  to  her.  Hence 
her  perseverance  with  any  thing  she  under- 
took; it  was  not  commenced  till  she  felt  its 
importance,  nor  was  it  abandoned  for  unfore- 
seen difficulties.  Hence  her  punctuality  to 
the  time  appointed  for  committee,  class,  or 
other  meetings,  and  the  constant  inculcation  of 
this  grace  on  others. 

And  how  important  is  this  feature  in  any 
who  attempt  to  do  good.  "Unstable  as  water, 
thou  shalt  not  excel,"  may  be  applied  to  some 
Christian  females,  as  well  as  to  Reiiben.  They 
readily  engage  in  every  new  effort,  but  after 
attending  a  few  meetings  of  committee,  their 
zeal  cools,  and  they  absent  themselves ;  a  new 
theory  has  them  for  advocates,  but  only  long 
enough  to  abandon  it  for  another  more  novel; 
thus  neither  the  church  nor  the  world  is  bene- 
fited. It  is  better  to  pursue  a  system  of  use- 
fulness in  which  some  known  defects  exist, 
but  which  is  understood,  and  by  which  some 
good  is  done,  than  to  be  perpetually  changing 


332 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


times,  instruments,  and  measures,  with  the 
uncertainty  of  their  effective  operation. 

Few  have  exhibited  a  more  entire  exemption 
from  selfishness  than  Mrs.  Sherman.  "If  all 
the  world  were  like  her,"  said  a  friend  who 
had  known  her  from  infancy,  "malice  and  un- 
charitableness  would  become  obsolete  words. 
If  I  were  to  describe  her,  I  should  do  it  nega- 
tively, by  saying  that  she  had  none  of  the 
disagreeables  of  so  many  other  persons."  Her 
politeness  would  have  made  her  courteous 
without  grace ;  but  that  regulated  and  refined 
it,  so  that  it  was  the  result  of  principle  ob- 
tained fi'om  the  cross;  and  she  "thus  judged, 
that  if  One  died  for  all,  then  were  all  dead: 
and  that  He  died  for  all,  that  they  which  live 
should  not  henceforth  live  unto  themselves, 
but  to  him  that  died  for  them  and  rose  again." 
This  unselfish  feeling  ran  through  the  whole  of 
her  conduct;  it  was  not  reserved  for  state  oc- 
casions, when  its  exhibition  would  have  elicit- 
ed applause,  but  was  spontaneous  and  natural. 
The  comfort  and  ease  of  all  within  her  house 
were  preferred  to  her  own,  and  a  beggar  would 
be  as  readily  served  as  a  prince. 


VIEW  OF  HER  CHARACTER.  333 

Often  has  she  called  forth  the  remonstrances 
of  friends,  while  standing  •  to  hear  the  tale  of 
woe  from  a  poor  person  in  the  hall,  whose  dirty 
condition  forbade  introduction  into  a  room, 
when  her  weakness  rendered  it  dangerous  for 
her  to  be  in  such  a  situation.  Her  sleep,  her 
meals,  her  dress,  her  personal  comforts,  were 
relinquished  with  satisfaction,  if  any  one,  es- 
pecially of  God's  children,  required  such  help 
as  they  would  afford.  And  this  is  the  test  by 
which  we  are  to  try  our  discipleship,  "If  any 
man  will  be  my  disciple,  let  him  deny  himself; 
let  him  take  up  his  cross  daily  and  follow  me." 
By  some  it  would  be  considered  that  the  sub- 
ject of  this  memoir  presented  this  feeling  in 
excess;  but  how  short,  how  far  short  did 'she 
fall  of  the  example  of  Jesus  Christ,  who  "was 
rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  became  poor,  that  we, 
through  his  poverty,  might  be  made  rich." 
Let  Christian  females  study  this  characteris- 
tic of  our  divine  Lord,  and  be  assured  that 
it  is  one  of  the  principal  preparations  for  use- 
fulness. 

No  grace  shone  more  conspicuously  in  her 
than  humility     Every  thing  she  undertook 


334 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


was  begun  with  trembling  and  prosecuted  with 
fear ;  she  had  no  confidence  in  herself,  nor  any 
leaning  to  her  own  vinderstandins: :  the  most 
child-like  spirit  of  dependence  on  her  heavenly 
Father  characterized  her  entire  course  of  life. 
When  a  letter  was  read  to  her,  a  few  weeks 
before  her  death,  containing  an  allusion  to  the 
bright  example  she  had  set,  she  remarked,  "I 
cannot  understand  what  they  mean ;  they  have 
drawn  a  picture  in  their  imagination  of  what 
they  think  I  ought  to  be  as  a  minister's  wife, 
and  then  have  persuaded  themseh'^es  that  I 
resemble  it,  because  they  do  not  know  me." 
Such  language  from  the  lips  of  some  would  be 
a  hint  for  flattery ;  but  in  her,  the  transparent 
sincerity  with  which  it  was  uttered  was  visi- 
ble to  all,  and  her  whole  conduct  demonstrated 
that  she  believed  the  lowest  place  suited  her 
best.  On  an  occasion  when  a  similar  re- 
mark was  made  by  a  friend,  she  replied, 
"  Alas,  that  any  one  should  think  my  imper- 
fect walk,  every  step  of  which  needs  cleans- 
ing in  my  Saviour's  blood,  suitable  for  imita- 
tion. I  can  only  answer  in  the  sentiments  of 
Cowper: 


VIEW  OF  HER  CHARACTER. 


335 


" '  Since  the  dear  hour  that  brought  me  to  thy  foot, 
And  cut  up  all  my  follies  by  the  root, 
I  never  trusted  in  an  arm  but  thine. 
Nor  hoped  but  in  thy  righteousness  divine ; 
My  prayers  and  alms,  imperfect  and  defiled, 
Were  but  the  feeble  efforts  of  a  child ; 
Howe'er  performed,  it  was  their  brightest  part 
That  they  proceeded  from  a  grateful  heart : 
Cleansed  in  thine  own  all  purifying  blood. 
Forgive  their  evil  and  accept  their  good ; 
I  cast  them  at  thy  feet :  my  only  plea 
Is  what  it  was,  dependence  upon  t^ee ; 
While  struggling  in  the  vale  of  tears  below, 
That  never  failed,  nor  shall  it  fail  me  now.'  " 

The  apostle  lays  emphasis  on  this  grace  as 
a  special  ornament  of  the  female  character: 
"Whose  adorning,  let  it  not  be  that  outward 
adorning  of  plaiting  the  hair,  and  of  wearing 
of  gold,  or  of  putting  on  of  apparel;  but  let  it 
be  the  hidden  man  of  the  heart,  in  that  which 
is  not  corruptible,  even  the  ornament  of  a  meek 
and  quiet  spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight  of  Grod  of 
great  price."  She  that  would  do  good  must  be 
content  to  stoop  to  the  humble  and  needy,  must 
condescend  to  their  position,  and  sacrifice  feel- 
ing and  habits  to  get  at  their  prejudices,  and 
convey  truth  to  their  minds.  0,  how  conde- 
scending was  Jesus  Christ — how  readily  he 
talked  to  a  leper,  listened  to  the  domestic 


336 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


trials  of  parents,  or  took  the  children  of  the 
poor  in  his  arms.  Let  us  imitate  him ;  for  a 
proud  heart,  like  a  high  mountain,  is  sure  to 
be  an  unfruitful  place. 

"  Grace  be  with  all  them  who  love  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity,"  she  adopted  as  her 
motto  and  exhibited  in  her  conduct.  Her 
house,  her  table,  her  purse,  were  open  to  all 
who  bore  the  likeness  of  her  Saviour.  She 
dared  not  separate  herself  from  any  whom  the 
Master  had  received,  on  account  of  denomina- 
tional peculiarities.   Of  all  such  she  could  say, 

"  Whate'er  their  country  or  their  name, 
With  them,  when  privileged  to  meet, 
Kindred  and  fellowship  I  claim, 

And  converse  hold,  communion  sweet ; 
For  still  my  heart  will  truly  move 
Towards  all  who  love  the  Lord  I  love." 

Never  can  the  writer  forget  her  joy  when  a 
native  Chinese  convert,  with  Dr.  Medhurst 
from  China,  Tzatzoe  an  African  chief,  and 
StofFels  a  converted  Hottentot,  Dr.  Cheever 
and  Mr.  Kirk  from  America,  and  others  from 
the  continent  of  Europe,  dined  together  at  the 
parsonage.  She  observed  to  Dr.  Medhurst, 
"  This  party  not  only  prefigures  the  millen- 


v'lfiW  OF  HER  CHARACTEU. 


337 


nium,  but  is  an  epitome  of  it.  Here  are  na- 
tive representatives  from  the  four  quarters  of 
the  globe,  all  converted  to  Christ,  and  support- 
ing his  kingdom  in  their  several  countries. 
Heaven  itself  will  only  be  an  enlargement 
of  such  a  group."  And  they  who  would  be 
useful  must  cultivate  this  spirit.  Denomina- 
tionalism  has  ruled  too  long.  Reading  only 
the  books  written  by  one  sect,  or  meeting  only 
the  friends  who  think  exactly  with  vis,  enfee- 
bles the  mind  and  cramps  its  energies.  There 
are  men  of  God  in  every  division  of  the  Chris- 
tian church,  at  whose  feet  it  would  become 
any  of  us  to  sit;  and  we  lose  that  enlarge- 
ment of  heart,  that  love  of  the  Spirit,  which 
embraces  "the  whole  family  in  heaven  and 
earth,"  if  we  do  not  cultivate  acquaintance 
with  all,  and  extract  what  is  good  from  their 
several  modes  of  worship,  their  Christian  in- 
tercourse, and  their  exertions  for  the  conver- 
sion of  the  world,  and  insert  them  in  our  stere- 
otyped forms  and  habits. 

But  after  all,  the  great  secret  of  her  power 
with  her  classes  and  the  church  lay  in  her  fer- 
vent piety,  a  faith  that  embraced  and  fed  upon 
22 


338 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


the  living  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  intimate 
communion  with  God,  which  no  engagements 
were  suffered  to  curtail.  Details  have  been 
furnished  which  sufficiently  prove  this  fact; 
and  her  family  are  witnesses  how  constantly 
her  spirit  seemed  filled  with  the,  fulness  of 
God,  and  what  sacrifices  of  bodily  ease  she 
made  for  the  continuance  of  that  heavenly  fel- 
lowship. This  gave  her  influence,  unconscious 
influence.  Though  her  exertions  were  great, 
she  accomplished  more  by  what  she  was,  than 
by  w^at  she  did.  Her  spiritual  character  gave 
an  element  of  silent  power  to  her  efforts,  which 
was  the  chief  cause  of  their  efficacy.  An  in- 
fluence, unconsciously  to  herself,  was  always 
operating  on  others  with  whom  she  came  in 
contact.  They  felt  that  influence,  but  proba- 
bly were,  equally  with  herself,  unconscious  of 
its  exercise,  and  quite  unable  to  describe  its 
character.  As  the  light,  which  gives  no  shock 
and  utters  no  roar,  silently  but  effectually 
chases  away  the  darkness,  and  restores  the 
world  to  beauty  and  cheerfulness,  stealing  on 
us  gradually  and  almost  insensibly ;  so  the 
Christian,  who  shines  the  brighter  firom  sitting 


VIEW  OF  HER  CHARACTEIi.  339 


in  heavenly  places,  where  he  may  more  fully 
catch  the  beams  and  reflect  the  light  of  the 
Sun  of  righteousness,  will  disperse  the  dark- 
ness of  prejudice,  command  the  homage  of 
respect,  and  excite  the  desire  for  imitation  in 
those  by  whom  he  is  surrounded. 

The  testimony  of  one  to  the  practical  power 
of  this  silent  influence,  may  illustrate  and  con- 
firm these  remarks.  "I  felt,"  said  a  young 
lady,  "the  importance  of  religion  before  I  en- 
tered Mrs.  Sherman's  class ;  but  it  was  not  till 
I  saw  the  happiness  she  diffused  around  her 
that  I  was  led  to  ask  myself  the  question, 
'Why  cannot  I  be  as  amiable  in  my  family  as 
Mrs.  Sherman,  and  make  others  as  happy  as 
she  does?'  and  to  form  the  resolution,  'I  will 
try ;'  and  if  I  have  at  all  succeeded,  the  effort 
and  the  success  are  owing  to  her  lovely  exam- 
ple." 

All,  therefore,  who  would  be  blessings,  must 
settle  it  in  their  hearts  that  they  must  first 
seek  to  be  blessed.  Station,  education,  talent, 
are  allowed  to  have  certain  influence,  but  not 
so  great  as  is  generally  supposed.  Had  ouy 
Saviour  thought  much  of  them,  he  would  have 


340 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


selected  a  higher  class  than  fishermen  to  pro- 
claim his  gospel  and  lay  the  foundations  of  his 
kingdom.  "Knowledge  is  power"  has  become 
a  household  phrase,  but  it  is  feebleness  itself 
compared  with  piety.  "If  God  be  for  us,  who 
can  be  against  us?"  Therefore  the  renova- 
tion of  the  most  degraded  of  our  species,  and 
the  sanctification  of  the  unholiest,  which  the 
scientific  have  failed  to  accomplish,  have  been 
effected  by  the  humble  Christian. 

Oh,  ye  females,  who  are  the  ornaments  of 
our  churches,  and  the  most  powerful  helpers 
in  establishing  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  suffer 
the  word  of  exhortation.  You  cannot  speak 
like  men,  nor  rule  like  him  "who  was  first 
formed ;"  but  you  have  influence  of  your  own, 
which  all  acknowledge:  the  more  mighty,  be- 
cause the  more  gentle;  the  more  efficacious, 
because  the  less  visible.  The  most  potent 
agents  in  nature  are  the  most  simple  and 
noiseless — the  least  seen  and  the  most  myste- 
rious— yet  they  are  in  constant  and  mighty 
operation.  And  if  by  walking  in  the  light  as 
He  is  in  the  light,  you  have  fellowship  one 
with  another,  and  can  declare,  "The  Lord  is 


VIEW  OF  HER  CHARACTER.  341 

my  light  and  my  salvation;  whom  shall  I 
fear?"^ — if  from  continued  application  to  the 
fountain  opened,  you  can  with  confidence  avow, 
"The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son  cleanseth 
us  from  all  sin" — if  from  repeated  experience 
of  his  gracious  assistance,  you  can  invite  troub- 
led minds  to  your  Friend,  saying,  "Behold, 
God  is  my  helper" — if  from  daily  meditation 
on  the  "mystery  of  godliness,"  you  become 
rooted  and  built  up  in  Christ,  and  established 
in  the  faith  of  the  gospel,  and  can  affirm,  "I 
know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  persuaded 
that  He  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  com- 
mitted to  him" — if  under  conscious  weakness 
and  infirmity,  as  Asa,  you  know  not  what  to 
do,  but  the  eye  of  your  faith  is  cast  up  to  the 
mediatorial  throne,  and  your  heart  and  lips 
avow,  "I  will  go  ir^the  strength  of  the  Lord 
Grod;  I  will  make  mention  of  his  righteous- 
ness, even  of  his  only" — then,  like  Deborah, 
you  will  accompany  the  Lord's  servants,  and 
share  their  honor  in  fighting  his  battles;  like 
Hannah,  you  will  exalt  the  Lord's  "anointed;" 
like  the  Shunammite,  you  will  plead  for  the  so- 
ciety of  the  prophet  in  your  house,  and  see  his 


342 


MARTHA  SHERMAN. 


prayers  answered  in  your  children;  like  Mary, 
you  will  rejoice  in  G-od  your  Saviour;  like 
Elizabeth,  you  will  walk  in  all  the  ordinances 
and  commandments  of  the  Lord  blameless; 
like  Susannah,  the  wife  of  Herod's  steward, 
you  will  minister  to  Christ  of  your  substance ; 
like  Martha,  you  will  receive  him  into  your 
house,  and — who  can  tell? — have  your  brother 
raised  to  spiritual  Ufe,  and  sit  at  the  table 
with  him;  like  Phoebe,  you  will  become  the 
servant  of  the  church,  and  like  Tryphena  and 
Tryphosa,  labor  much  in  the  Lord.  "Favor 
is  deceitful  and  beauty  is  vain;  but  a  woman 
that  feareth  the  Lord,  she  shall  be  praised." 


